“We are incredibly excited for the upcoming school year and all that’s ahead for our cheer program,” Aledo cheer coach Rhonda Psencik said. “With 62 girls across all levels that include 15 freshmen, 16 JV, and 31 on Varsity, our program is bigger, stronger, and more motivated than ever. Each athlete brings something special to the team, and together, they form a powerhouse group that’s not only focused on athletic and performance excellence, but also on leadership and character on and off the sideline. In addition to these wonderfully talented ladies, we have a wonderful Mr. Bearcat that is back for more sideline shenanigans and support for our teams.”
With a group of dedicated cheerleaders with Mr. Bearcat in tow, the Ladycats aim to set their high standards even further upwards, specifically in upcoming competitions.
“Our main goal this year is to finish in the top three at the UIL Spirit State Championships in January,” Psencik said. “We believe this team has the talent, discipline, and drive to make that happen. We’ve set high standards for ourselves, and our athletes are embracing the challenge. What makes this team unique is their well-rounded commitment. They show up for their school as true community spirit leaders on the sidelines, support each other like family, and prioritize excellence in the classroom.”
Psencik expects great things from her group because of what they’ve produced and how they were able to produce those results – with a responsible approach in both group and individual settings.
“We’re pushing every day to sharpen our skills, elevate our performance, and build the kind of team chemistry that separates good teams from great ones,” Psencik said. “I truly believe this group has the potential to make this season one of the most memorable and successful in program history.”
Community outreach is more than just checking a box for the Ladycats cheer squad, it is a priority of the program. With that in mind, Psencik increased the number of officer positions to accommodate this priority with even more depth than before.
“This year, we’ve introduced social committees within our cheer program to help foster leadership, accountability, and deeper connections among our athletes,” Psencik said. “These include Social Media, Spirit, and Community Action. One committee that’s especially meaningful to our staff is our Community Service Committee. It’s incredibly important that our cheerleaders understand the value of giving back, not just representing the school on the sidelines or competition mat, but making a real impact in the lives of others.”
The cheerleaders will continue to give back to their community throughout the year and will be helping great causes through their charitable actions.
“We’re proud to be continuing our participation in the Tara Sawyer Foundation Annual Event at Game On, which is a cause close to our hearts,” Psencik said. “We’re also planning to adopt Christmas angels this year, helping bring holiday joy to children and families in need. Our teams will be volunteering at various community outreach events, including the Lord’s Acre event hosted by Aledo UMC in October. This is a local tradition where all funds raised go toward mission work and outreach.”
When you don’t see an Aledo cheerleader waving pom-poms on the football field, coordinating a stunt at halftime, competing for UIL trophies, or helping out in the community, you may see them helping out in several other areas at the school, proving how invaluable and versatile this group of cheerleaders is.
“In addition, we’re committed to being present and active in community and campus events throughout the school year,” Psencik said. “Whether it’s helping at local fundraisers, participating in school initiatives, or supporting other athletic teams, our cheerleaders understand the importance of servant leadership. We want every member of our program to graduate not only as a skilled athlete, but also as a compassionate, responsible citizen.”
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