Venice’s cheer program has grown bigger than ever. After graduating 13 seniors last spring, the team entered the new season focused on rebuilding, training new athletes, and preparing for upcoming competitions, according to coach Joana Trocan-Garrett. 

For the first time, the cheer program added a frosh-soph team, creating more opportunities for new athletes to learn and grow. In the past, the team only offered JV and varsity levels, but the new addition gives less-experienced cheerleaders a chance to train without the pressure of performing at every event.

Currently, the varsity team is getting ready for competition season. Garrett said that teamwork and chemistry are what make the biggest difference on the mat.

“On the baseline, there’s the obvious things—having experience and having a skill level to build on, but I think really the most important has been the chemistry of the group,” she said. “At the end of the day, the things that make cheer most difficult are the stunts, and you need people that work hard and work well together.”

One standout leader this year is senior Nadine Pelino, a captain, who has been part of the team for four years.

“She kind of embodies what I think a varsity cheerleader should embody,” Garrett said. “Even when she’s having a bad day, you’d never know, because she’s just so hype and always trying to have a positive energy.”

As the team shifts from football season to competitions, they’re putting in extra work to make sure they’re ready.

“It’s definitely a hustle right now with just having finished Homecoming and trying to transition,” Garrett said. “But we’ve added extra practices—we’re now practicing three times a week instead of two—and I think they’re definitely going to be ready.”

Venice Cheer’s first competition kicks off November 8 at Mira Costa High School for the UCA (Universal Cheerleading Competition), and with growing talent, team spirit, and strong leadership, the Gondoliers are ready to shine.