Mira Costa cheerleaders take top honors at summer competition
Mira Costa High School’s cheer squad. Courtesy of D. Monique Johnson
Under the direction of new head coach Monica Bloodgood, the Mira Costa Cheer Squad took top honors in several categories at a four-day Universal Cheerleaders Association event late July at Pepperdine University. The varsity squad was recognized as a Superior Squad and won the overall “Top Banana Award”; it scored superior in Fight Song and third place in Extreme Routine. Six team members were titled All-Americans.
The junior varsity squad also won the “Top Banana Award” and was recognized as a Superior Squad. The team placed third in Extreme Routine, and two members were named All-Americans.
Members of the Varsity Cheer Squad include Hannah Anderson, Kaela Ayala, Amanda Betts, Ashley Cohen, Alex Daniels, Nicki Durazo, Nicole Gaines, Amanda Gale, Ashley Gardner, Amanda Goetz, Sydney Hom, Amanda Johnson, Kelli Killman, Saige Ratchford, Raina Serota, Nicole Sumen, and Katie von Behren.
Members of the Junior Varsity Cheer Squad include Rose Darcy, Hayle Dumas, Kelsey Gravo, Melissa Guthrie, Breanna Harris, Linda Leija, Allison Lockard-Loob, Ashley Marckel, Star Masterton, Sammy Mausner, Kylie Newell, Leatha Parie, Noelle Parker, Jordan Salim, Kayla Thompson, Kayla Vandermark, and Ali Wu.