Winning first place at states was a momentous occasion for all members of the Baldwin cheer team, including first-year team member Layla Spearman.
“They announced our first-place win, and we all instantly jumped up to hug each other and celebrate our win,” Spearman, a sophomore, said.
It was the first time that Baldwin’s competitive cheer team had ever won states. For Spearman, that journey to states started when she was in elementary school.
“When I was in second grade, I first started on our rec teams. It’s second through sixth grade. And then I tried out for our middle school team, and then I tried out for the high school team,” she said.
Spearman cheered at sports events her freshman year, but she was not on the competitive team. She joined competitive cheer this year and is enjoying cheering on a higher level. She competes on the gameday squad.
“I have good teammates and good coaches. It’s very fun,” Spearman said.
Her teammates believe that Spearman is a great addition to their team. Senior Julianna Weiss applauded the motivation she brings to the team.
“Layla is the kind of teammate that you can rely on to bring up the vibe,” Weiss said. “She’s always smiling and will talk to anyone on the team.”
Senior Viven Skalos agreed.
“She brings such an upbeat energy to our team and always has such a good mood, no matter how well practice is going,” Skalos said. “She always has something positive to say and is always cheering everyone on.”
Spearman said she loves how cheer impacts Baldwin’s other sports.
“I like being able to show off school spirit and make people happy and just have fun,” Spearman said.
Her teammates said she is also an integral part of their routine.
“She is a really big part in our gameday routine. She’s really good at facial expressions and always yelling throughout the whole routine,” Skalos said.
Weiss agreed.
“She is always so ready to cheer on the team during the mat full-outs and cheers everyone on throughout the entire routine,” Weiss said.
Being active is also another reason that Spearman is grateful to have cheer in her life.
“It makes me more active, and it’s made me a lot of friends. It’s just been overall really great,” Spearman said.
Her addition to the team will have a lasting impact on the people around her, her teammates said.
“I think my favorite memory with Layla was just this past weekend during states when we were getting ready in each other’s rooms and we were just having a fun time listening to music and getting hyped for the competition,” Skalos said. “I love Layla’s positive attitude and how she is always so happy. She is such a great addition to our team this year.”
