By Kaylanii Albert & Joeliz Gonzalez – Staff Reporters

Sophomore Roniyla Spellman is a Jonathan Law cheerleader who continues to put in hard work everyday on and off the mat.

Spellman has been doing cheer for four years and has been a part of three different teams – Milford Pop Warner, the U.S.A. Wildcats in Naugatuck, Connecticut, and now at Law.

Spellman has been a two-time State Champion and a two-time Regional Champion. She’s also an All-American cheerleader and received an award from the UCA staff during a youth camp.

“My coaches and captains use so much for the team, and I am very grateful for them,” Spellman said “I feel like the experience has been phenomenal, and I can’t wait for my upcoming seasons.”

Spellman has been on varsity her freshman year and sophomore years at Law.

“From coaching her in Pop Warner, to having her as a freshman alternate for varsity last year, to now earning a varsity position as a sophomore,” Head Coach Morgan Colombo said. “She continues to impress me in so many ways.”

Spellman’s teammates describe her as motivating, hard-working, and encouraging.

“Roniyla is always the first person to motivate me, whether it is encouraging me and everyone on the team to try something new, or just to improve upon something we’ve been doing,” sophomore Emma Ciccarelli said. “She is always ready to push you to do your best.”

Spellman keeps a very positive energy no matter what and helps her teammates if they need a reminder of things.

“If there is confusion for what count a motion should be on, the team can always rely on Roniyla to remember,” Assistant Coach Erica Gray said. “At games, Roniyla can be found encouraging her teammates to be their best but reminding them that it’s OK if mistakes are made.”