By Chris Cox

Beloit head cheer coach Jody Vowinckel has been coaching cheer for the better part of two decades. While each squad is different year to year, one thing remains the same: confidence is built in each cheerleader as they grow and improve throughout the year.

“Cheer forces these girls to try things that draw attention to themselves that they normally would not try,” Vowinckel says. “Just going out in front of their peers and parents and being loud and spirited draws eyes to them. I think that is a big confidence boost to them.”

As for this year’s squad, Vowinckel says they are a close group.

“The biggest strength of this squad is unity,” Vowinckel says. “Most of the squad are very close friends and they have enveloped the ones that they maybe didn’t spend every free moment with in the past. They’ve really included them in, and on, everything. They are always there for each other.”

The lone senior, Taylor Monty, is the team captain and Vowinckel says she is great leader that is willing to go above and beyond for the squad.

“It’s really important to her, as a senior, to make the most of this year,” Vowinckel says. “She works with and encourages the girls. She has spent extra, one-on-one time outside of practice helping the girls, especially the freshmen, catch up. She is a strong leader from the sidelines. If things are starting to lag at a game, she steps up. She really has been a standout leader.”

With Monty graduating this year, Vowinckel says Beloit has three junior co-captains in Kennedy Adams, Karody Kadel, and Chloe Odle that are ready to lead next year.

“Each of them brings something a little different,” Vowinckel says. “They may not be too vocal, but they all bring great leadership to the squad through ideas and quiet leadership.”

Overall, Vowinckel says she has enjoyed watching this group come together and get better, both on and off the mat.

“I’ve loved seeing all these girls improve,” she says. “Not just in ability but in self-confidence as well.”

The Beloit Trojan cheer squad includes captain Taylor Monty (Sr.), co-captain Kennedy Adams (Jr.), co-captain Karody Kadel (Jr.), co-captain Chloe Odle (Jr.), Jayden Brooks (So.), Mylie Brown (So.), Marley File (So.), Kerigan Hubert (So.), Peyton Remus (So.), Kim Schoen (So.), and Hattie Anderson (Fr.). Beloit’s assistant coach is Shae Johnson.