The Lakeview Freshman Cheer Squad has kicked off a brand-new season under the leadership of Coach Kendall Werschey. Although she didn’t grow up in the Lakeview community, Werschey brings years of experience from her time on a dance team throughout her teenage years. Her enthusiasm and dedication have quickly made her a welcomed face on the sidelines and in the gym, where her positivity radiates through each practice.
Werschey shared her excitement about stepping into this new role. Werschey states, “I’m thrilled to take on the role of freshman cheerleading coach,” she stated. After previously being on a dance team, this is an exciting change for me. Transitioning from dance to cheer has been a rewarding challenge. My dance background gives me a strong foundation that I’m applying as I learn the specifics of cheer.”
Since the beginning of the season, Werschey has focused on blending her technical background with Lakeview’s spirited cheer traditions. Over the past few weeks, she’s worked closely with her team to prepare for the upcoming basketball season, spending countless hours helping the girls refine their dances, perfect their cheers, and strengthen their coordination and teamwork. Her focus is not only on physical precision but also on fostering confidence and leadership within her athletes.
It’s clear that Werschey is dedicated to strengthening both the skills and passion of her cheerleaders. She has made it a priority to create a supportive environment where every team member feels valued. Many members of the squad are returning from the 8th-grade team and have carried their positive attitudes and camaraderie into their first year of high school. Together, they’ve embraced the challenge of adjusting to a faster pace and higher expectations.
Freshman cheerleader Bayleigh Wistar shared her excitement for the months ahead, “I’m looking forward to the beginning of the 2025 basketball season. Werschey has been a great addition to the cheer team and has helped us so much with perfecting our cheers and dances. I’m thrilled to be part of such a great group of girls, and we’ve all been putting in a lot of work. We’re excited for what this year will bring and can’t wait to cheer on the boys this season!”
As a freshman, Wistar is eager to see what the next four years have in store at Lakeview High School. Like many of her teammates, she believes Coach Werschey has already made a strong and lasting impression on the program. Under her guidance, the team is learning not just choreography, but also the discipline and teamwork that come with being part of a competitive program.
Fellow freshman Jade McClellan shared similar enthusiasm, “I’m so excited for basketball season to finally start! Being a freshman on the cheer squad is already such an amazing experience, and having a new coach makes it even more exciting. She’s super positive, always encouraging us to push harder and try new things. You can already feel how much energy she’s brought to the squad. I can’t wait to cheer on the boys, make awesome memories with my teammates, and keep improving every game!”
McClellan also mentioned how the team has bonded both inside and outside of practice, often staying after rehearsals to talk, laugh, and encourage one another. The strong friendships forming between the cheerleaders have contributed to the team’s growing sense of pride and school spirit.
Both McClellan and Wistar shared glowing feedback about their new coach and the team’s growth during both the football and basketball seasons. The squad is motivated, hardworking, and eager to represent Lakeview with energy and pride. As they prepare for their first game, excitement buzzes throughout the gym—pom-poms in hand, smiles wide, and hearts full of Lakeview pride.
With Coach Werschey’s guidance, the team’s enthusiasm, and a shared commitment to excellence, the Lakeview Freshman Cheer Squad looks ready to make this basketball season one to remember. Fans can expect to see plenty of spirit, passion, and teamwork lighting up the stands every game night.
