This ought to cheer you up: Lady Jaguars spread positivity, confidence, trust, friendship

A new nonprofit is giving cheerleaders a chance to compete.

  • Palm Coast Observer
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In a world that could use some positivity right now, the Lady Jaguars have you covered.

Just watch out for flying pom-poms.

Parents and friends were invited to line the blue mats on July 30, at Spartan Academy in City Marketplace, to watch three new cheer squads  — The Cubs (ages 5-8), Junior Lady Jaguars (8-12) and Lady Jaguars (8-12) — perform at the conclusion of their summer camps. Thirty-four cheerleaders had practiced for three hours per day for the week, led by all-volunteer coaches, including Sabrina Berkovich, vice president; and Elizabeth Mazza, president.

"Every little stunt you do, you’re relying on the other person. Trust is huge in cheerleading."

ELIZABETH MAZZA, president of Lady Jaguars Cheer and Dance

Lady Jaguars Cheer and Dance became a nonprofit organization on Jan. 1, 2021, and will begin its first full season this fall. Mazza said she and some of the other parents of cheerleaders from the Pop Warner organization realized that their daughters enjoyed the cheer competitions much more than cheering at the eight football games during the season. So they branched off and started the Lady Jaguars, who will travel to five or six competitions around the state, from December to May.

The girls will also perform at opening and closing ceremonies for Mad Dogs Flag Football of Palm Coast.

Another goal of forming the nonprofit was to make the whole experience more affordable for families. The team will do fundraisers throughout the fall to defray competition costs, and some competitions weren't considered because the entry fees are too high. To help sponsor the team or donate, email [email protected] or call Mazza at 203-650-8332. Four coaches are certified in CPR, Mazza added.

The results are already making the coaches happy.

"It promotes a positive attitude and lasting friendships," Mazza said. "A lot of the girls here — some of them aren’t very social, not very vocal. The parents say, 'We want them to be involved in something.' A few that started with us were very shy, quiet — they’re not shy anymore. They’re loud, jumping. It gives them confidence that they can do it, and they have fun. ... They work as a team."

 

author

Brian McMillan

Brian McMillan and his wife, Hailey, bought the Observer in 2023. Before taking on his role as publisher, Brian was the editor from 2010 to 2022, winning numerous awards for his column writing, photography and journalism, from the Florida Press Association.

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