by Kat Mahoney ’20

 For the first time, the Sherwood Cheer team has surpassed everyone in their region to go on to place sixth overall in the state. During this season, the cheer team has worked together to win counties for the second time in a row. They also won regionals for the first time. The team is made up of 13 seniors, one junior, and five sophomores coming together to become one of the most accomplished cheer teams Sherwood has ever had.

 Sherwood started their season by placing second at the Whitman Invitational on October 13. The routine is the inner workings of coach Nicole Schneider, captain Madelyn Grant, co-captain Sabrina Schipper, and the team as a whole. The team continued their high scoring streak when competing in MCPS’ Division ll cheer competition. Because they scored so well, they surpassed not only everyone in Division ll, but also all of the teams in Division l, the higher division naming them overall county champions. Churchill, another strong team in Division ll as well, placed high enough to beat all of Division l coming second in the county.

 The amazing energy and electricity of the team as a whole during the performance put on at counties allowed Sherwood to continue on to Regional Semi-Finals on November 3. Sherwood was accompanied by multiple other MCPS schools competition including Blake, Churchill, Clarksburg, Damascus, Magruder, Northwood, Quince Orchard,  Walter Johnson, and Wootton. At the Regional Semi-Final competition, Maryland is split into four divisions based on location and school size, 2A/1A West, 4A/3A West, 2A/1A East, and 4A/3A East. Sherwood went on to win the 4A/3A West side of Maryland at the competition. Last year, Sherwood did not place in the top three at regionals, let alone win it completely. “Of all of my four years on the team, this year has had the most positivity, strongest bond, and unbelievable work ethic to accomplish anything we want” says senior Sam Nakamura.

 The powerful team, often referred to as a family by the team members, went on to compete at the state competition on November 10. Sherwood, Churchill, and Damascus were the only three teams representing MCPS at the competition. Sherwood went on to place sixth overall at states.

 “Not only was this year’s team the best team on the mat, but off the mat too. The bond that we built this year is something I will never forget. I can’t wait to see what the girls do next year as reigning county champions and regional champions” said senior Grant.