DAVIS — Upper Lake High School”s cheerleaders recently accompanied coach Shalean Smith to a National Cheerleaders Association (NCA) camp at the University of California Davis.
Approximately 200 cheerleaders from around the state attended.
As part of a four-day camp curriculum, the National Cheerleaders Association selects award winners at each of the more than 1,000 camps it administers around the world each summer. Awards are given for individual and team accomplishments.
Honored from Upper Lake were Amanda Smith, Kayhli Baumgartner, Kayla Boyle and Shaina Folger, who received All-American nominations. All-Americans are outstanding individuals who display strength in one of the following categories: Motions, jumps, stunts, tumbling, dance or leadership.
The Upper Lake cheer team also was honored with the S.P.O.T Award for excellence in use of safety while stunting, spotting and proper stunt technique. The cheer team also competed in and won the “Game Day Top Team Award” and took home the “Spirit Stick Award.”
“We do have a small team but what they lack in size they make up for in spirit and dedication,” Smith said of her squad. “I”m really looking forward to a great year. They”re a pleasure to work with.”
Coach Smith received credentialing for successfully completing the NCA Coaches Credentialing Program. NCA recognized coach Smith for her technical knowledge and hands-on training in cheerleading. Smith coached the ULHS football and basketball cheerleaders from 1992-1998 and returned this year to coach the football cheer team.
The Upper Lake cheer team will be choosing a community service project for the upcoming season and will be volunteering at local nursing homes and senior centers. Coach Smith is also challenging her team to maintain high academic standards.
Next summer the team will host a youth cheer camp in early July. Donations are being requested to assist the girls in deferring the rising cost of uniforms and camp. Contributions can be made directly to ULHS Cheer. For questions or more information on supporting the ULHS cheer team contact Smith at 972-7197.
