By Angela Brunk
Yaretzi Pantoja is a senior at Wyandotte High School and a dedicated member of the Varsity Cheerleading team. As a senior, this season is especially meaningful to her as it marks her final year cheering for her high school. Pantoja contributes to her team as both a flyer and a base, showcasing her versatility and commitment to the sport.
Pantoja is most excited for the upcoming season because of Senior Night, attending cheer camps, and spending quality time with her teammates. These experiences allow her to create lasting memories while strengthening the bond she shares with her team. Cheerleading has played a major role in her high school experience, helping her grow both as an athlete and a leader.
During the offseason, Pantoja stays prepared by stretching regularly to maintain flexibility and keep her body in top condition. During the summer, she attended UCA cheer camp to build her skills, improve technique, and prepare for the demands of the upcoming season. One area she is focused on improving is her tumbling skills. To achieve this, she invests in tumbling classes and practices exercises at home to continue progressing.
For the season, Pantoja’s goals include learning how to tumble, cleaning up her motions, and fully enjoying her senior year. With an overall cheer rating of 8 out of 10, her biggest strengths include performance quality, strong jumps, versatility as both a base and flyer, and leadership.
She continues to work on core strength and skill refinement to become an even stronger athlete.
Looking toward the future, Pantoja plans to attend college and pursue a degree in business, while continuing to follow her passion for cheer and dance beyond high school.
