What began as a childhood activity at age five has grown into a defining part of junior Elianna Di Cesare’s life as a competitive cheerleader.
“What I love most about cheer is the people I’ve met along the way. Nate Goralski, the director of the team, always says you have to fall in love with the process. I guess I fell in love with the process,” Di Cesare said.
Her routine includes training at Lindsey’s Cheer and Dance Center three times a week, where she practices for 2-2.5 hours. The Intensity Elite team spends these practices perfecting their performances for competitions.
The Intensity Elite team consists of 21 other athletes, and Di Cesare plays an active role in keeping the team motivated, helping them stay focused and motivating them through practice by encouraging them.
“I feel like Elianna is a big impact on the team because whenever we’re at practice she’s always being motivating and picking up the team,” sophomore Alyssa Persyn said.
Right before taking the floor, they follow a routine that helps them calm down, focus and put them in the right mindset.
“Before competitions, we talk to each other, we say prayers and we just make sure to try and have a positive attitude,” Persyn said.
The impact that Di Cesare has on the team, both through her skills on the mat and her leadership has been noticed, according to coach Kailie Jameson.
“Coaching Elianna for the past three seasons has been one of the most rewarding parts of my job. She has always had leadership in her but now she carries it with intention,” Jameson said.
DiCesare works very hard not only physically but mentally with her team, consistently pushing herself to meet the demands of practices, performances, and collaboration.
“Beyond her athletic talent, she brings emotional intelligence, leadership, and a maturity that anchors the group,” Jameson said. “She can calm a stressed teammate, lift someone up after a tough practice and still push herself to be better.”
Competitive cheer isn’t just a sport for Di Cesare; it has developed into an important part of her life, giving her a sense of growth, routine and personal satisfaction.
“It’s not just about hitting the routine, it’s about proving to yourself, team, coaches and parents that you are stronger, braver and more capable than you ever realized,” Di Cesare said. “As the end of the routine comes and the lights turn off it’s one of the most rewarding things that I could ever do.”
