By Marissa Pollack – Staff Reporter

Jonathan Law cheerleading captain Megan Mower has been committed to the team for for years and committed to the sport for 11 years.

Mower leads the team while displaying her experience and positivity in order to keep the girls motivated.

“As a captain it is my job to encourage team bonding and make sure everything runs as smooth as possible,” Mower said.

Incoming freshmen said that they truly look up to Mower. She loves to inspire other cheerleaders and make them feel as though they are a part of the cheer family.

“Well since it’s my first year on the team it was hard to fit in,” freshman Emily Wright said. “Megan has made me feel more acquainted with the team and she is an amazing help with coordinating the cheers, dances, stunts, everything.”

Mower is a strong influence in and out of cheer practice.

“She always told me to be confident and positive,”  junior Marina Callahan said. “She was always there for me not just in cheer.”

This year the team is improving and off to a great start.

“We’re closer this year and everyone’s trying harder,” sophomore Katelyn Griffin said.

Head coach Bonnie Etense agrees that the team has made substantial progress. The girls were recently camp champs at their UCA camp In Massachusetts this summer.

“At camp, my assistant coaches and I were extremely impressed by the team’s overall performance on final day,” Etense said. “Overall, we had a lot less to work on this year in terms of making the routine game ready.”

Along with the team’s improvements, Mower sees a successful season in her future. She is a three-time All-American cheerleader and plans on going All-State for her second year in a row.

Each of the girls sees the potential for Mower in future endeavors. It is known that she always strives for greatness.

“Every time you see Megan hit a stunt or nail a new move she would get very happy and you can see it in her eyes,” Wright said. “Cheer is something she loves.”

Aside from Mower’s personal goals, Etense has high hopes for the future of this team.  

“Every year my hope is to choose a team of girls who first and foremost care about each other and their classmates,” Etense said. “From there, I hope to build their confidence, teach new skills, and push each athlete to their individual best.”