Angela Flanagan is in her third year leading the Hooker High School cheer squad. While there has been some work being done on the team, her squad does a great job of working together. 

“Our cheer team has been in a rebuilding stage since I began coaching a few years ago,” she said. “But our team gets along very well with each other. They are very encouraging and supportive of one another, on and off the mat.”

Senior captain, Hannah Lu, enjoys cheering on her fellow Bulldogs and cheering along with her teammates. 

“I love watching the games and supporting my friends who play them,” Lu said. “I also love hearing the crowd cheer with us and seeing their reactions when we do new stunts. Getting to hang out with my teammates on cheer trips and how we match each other’s energy is great too. I enjoy making new friends and getting to know each other better. We always laugh and have fun with each other. I will never forget the bonds we made with each other during cheer.”

The team’s chemistry is great on and off the mat. And according to Flanagan, they make the best of whatever time they have. 

“We haven’t been able to take any trips other than traveling to and from ball games but these girls have the best time together and really make the long road trips fun,” the coach said. “I am proud of this squad for all of their hard work and determination to make themselves better.” 

Madison Ray is also a senior captain on the squad. She is thankful for her teammates and all the fun they have together.

“I enjoy the friendship and connections I have made because of cheer,” Madison said. “I have met some of my best friends on the team. We all get along really well and that makes practice fun. We are always messing around with each other and dancing to the amazing music our coach plays. I don’t know where I would be without my team. I enjoy being a crowd leader and getting the crown involved. I also enjoy watching the game and seeing how we affect the players. It also teaches commitment and teamwork.”