Hey Terps!

So we had an amazing winter break and came back to practice stronger than ever! I was so impressed with my team being able to come back and pick up right where we left off. Our practices leading up to where we are today have been so amazing and we are really coming together as a team. These last few weeks have been really concentrating on putting our team routine together and adding elements to get us to the start value that we need to be successful. Last week going full out made me so excited for our upcoming meet this weekend. When we are all out on the floor, the amount of energy that we bring is enough to give me the chills!

Unfortunately, I was not able to compete in our two opening meets due to an injury the night before. I was there for both meets and watching those girls come together as a team and come out with the win for both brought tears to my eyes. I am now healthy and back on mat for this competition and could not be happier. As a freshman, this is my first actual competition and I don't think I have ever been this excited to compete before! The events that I participate in are pyramid round, 6-element stunt heat, basket round, tumbling round, and the team routine. I would say that the 6-element stunt heat and the team routine are definitely my favorite events to participate in.  I am lucky enough to have Sam Ford, Joanna Venezia, and Season Daugherty in my stunt group. Season and Sam are both seniors and Joanna is a fifth year senior. They have so much experience and they have made my freshman year so far one to remember. We all have worked so hard to put together a great stunt sequence with a good start value. It's also nice when you compete in this round to have a moment to yourselves to show how hard you and your group have worked individually to put something so great together. Team routine is my other favorite event to compete in obviously! I was on a very successful all-star cheer team, but the feeling that I get when I am on the floor with this group of girls is like nothing I have ever felt before. The amount of energy and talent that we put on the floor is amazing and I love that I am able to be a part of it.

I think that this weekend when we go against Fairmont State we are going to do an amazing job. As a team we have gone through so much this early in the season and we still manage to amaze our coaches and ourselves everyday when we train. We are a strong team of WARRIORS that have amazing talent and I wouldn't dream of being on any other team.

GO TERPS!

Ali Iovino

Hi Terps!

The spring semester is finally on its way and we are all getting back in the swing of things. Practices over the winter break went extremely well. Our team accomplished so much in only three weeks. The main focus of winter break was to increase our start values in the stunt, pyramid, and tumbling rounds. We have also been making some changes to our team routine.  Recently, we have been working on perfecting these new and more advanced skills.  We need to execute the skills with perfection to get the highest possible scores.  I know we are capable of reaching this goal and performing to the best of our ability!

Our next match is this weekend versus Fairmont State and we are eager to compete. We have been working very hard these last few weeks to prepare and are remaining optimistic.  I am really looking forward to this competition!  I participate in several of the events throughout the meet. I compete in the compulsory pyramid and compulsory tumbling rounds. I am also a part of the team pyramid and the trio tumbling pass.  For the first time in a NCATA meet, I will be performing in the team routine.  This is a huge accomplishment for me and I am excited to be a part of the routine.  Our team has persevered and is determined to do our best in this upcoming competition. I feel confident that we will do great, especially since we will be performing on our own turf.  We are hoping for a great turn our from our family, friends, and other fans to support us at home!  

Lets Go Terps!

Alex Yannelli