Spirit and Confidence Were Raised at Cheer Clinic

Great Hearts Arizona recently hosted its first-ever network-wide Great Hearts Cheer Clinic, where nearly 50 athletes from eight different Arizona academies came together at Cicero Prep’s gymnasium to learn from former Grand Canyon University and NHL cheerleaders. 5^th – 12^th grade students from Cicero Prep, Lincoln Prep, Maryvale Prep, Glendale Prep, Trivium Prep, Veritas Prep, North Phoenix Prep, and Great Hearts Anthem were offered a comprehensive introduction to cheerleading. The clinic aimed to teach both new and experienced athletes the basics of cheerleading, including warm-ups, jumps, motions, chants, and a fun dance routine. The timing was perfect, as it occurred just before tryouts for the new cheer and spirit squads at most academies, starting in the 2024-25 school year.

Becky Heller, a former Grand Canyon University cheerleader and four-time NHL Arizona Coyotes cheerleader, led the clinic. She was eager to work with the attendees. “My main focus is just to go over some ‘Cheer 101’ basics with these girls and really help get them prepared for tryouts that are just right around the corner,” explained Heller.

Azaria Ford, a former NHL cheerleader and teammate of Heller was also there to facilitate the clinic. “I feel like cheerleading definitely brought me out of a shell when I was in high school,” she shared. “It was a nice way to connect with other girls who had the same types of interests as me. I just want to help the girls break out of their shells and make connections with other girls as well. I know they already have that confidence going in, but I feel like meeting other girls will help them develop those relationships and make some friendships.”

Many of the athletes who attended had no experience in cheer or spirit squads and were eager to learn new skills. Others, who had cheer experience or had been part of dance squads were excited that Great Hearts will be incorporating cheer into their athletic programs.

“I’m really excited for this,” shared Reese Van Remoortel, a rising freshman at Cicero Prep who has previously cheered for other programs. She is looking forward to the bonds formed through the clinic. “I have a lot of friends who are coming to this. Honestly, it just makes me happy, and it connects all of us together and it’s really fun to do.”

Mirabella Bucks, another incoming freshman from Cicero Prep, is thrilled about the potential impact of this program on her school. “For me, I think it does give me some self-confidence and it makes me super energetic and just really spirited about my school and I’m just super excited that they have it now.”

Heller emphasized that the clinic was about more than just learning movements and routines. “As Great Hearts cheerleaders, we really do focus on having healthy minds, bodies, and spirits,” she explained. “And we look for athletes that embody strong character, have self-discipline, and an overall positive attitude.”

Heller looks forward to the spirit this program will bring to the academies and their sporting events. “It’s going to help promote a more positive and supportive atmosphere at these games, which will in turn help the players,” said Heller. “It’s also going to ensure that our fans have such a memorable game day experience, which I’m super excited about.”

The introduction of cheer and spirit squads is part of the upcoming Great Hearts Arizona Prep School Initiatives. Based on feedback from parents and students, Great Hearts will introduce several enhancements beginning in the 2024-25 school year to improve the prep school experience. These changes include offering college credit opportunities, simplifying the uniform dress code, adding spirit wear days, and sharing mid-quarter progress reports. Additionally, most prep schools will incorporate house systems, and offer online summer school for credit recovery.

Some prep schools will pilot a zero-hour weightlifting class for credit and a seventh-hour block for various student activities. Future initiatives include exploring youth and club sports programs, adding course electives, and adjusted schedules for high school students.

These improvements aim to provide students and their families with a more supportive and enriching educational experience, encouraging them to stay with Great Hearts through their senior year to fully benefit from the unique curriculum.

Do you have a story or know of a story that you would like to see featured at Great Hearts? Please contact jason.moore@greathearts.org.