For the second year in a row the El Rancho Varsity Cheer team had their dreams of a second undefeated season come true on Saturday January 25, 2025. At the CIF- SS FORD Traditional Competitive Cheer Championship our Dons competed against a number of schools and came out with their second title. A surreal moment for everyone on the team.
“This win is absolutely surreal,” says Varsity Cheer captain Raylene Perez. “The first championship was incredible, but winning it again, especially as a senior, means everything. It’s the perfect way to end this chapter of my life- knowing that all the hard work, long practices, moments of doubt, and the sacrifices were all worth it.
This year’s Varsity Cheer team showed an undeniable amount of dedication and effort towards their season, earning them their second CIF Championship win.
Varsity Cheer team captain Andrea Contreras says, “A lot of hard work and dedication has gone into our routine. We start practicing to make mat in the summer time with two hour long practices, then transitioning into football and competition season with 3 hour long practices.”
So much hard work and dedication goes into the Varsity Cheer team’s routine and competition, ensuring that they not only make their team and supporters proud, but making sure they make El Rancho proud.
“It’s an honor,” says Perez. “Being part of this team isn’t just about cheering on the sidelines- it’s about school pride, about showing up for each other, about pushing ourselves to be the best athletes and teammates we can be.”
Although it is undeniable that the team is very successful in what they do, this isn’t just about the athletes on the mat—it’s also about the unwavering support they receive from their school, families, and community.
“I do have to say that our biggest supporters are definitely our coaches,” says Contreras. “Coach Missy, Coach Val, Coach Darick, Coach Magi, Coach Deanna, and Team Manager Louie. They spend long nights with us to help us be the better version of ourselves. They have worked with us through our long practices, days, and competitions. They are always waiting for us to say how proud of us they are. Without them, we would not be where we are as a team today.”
The El Rancho Varsity Cheer team’s back-to-back championship titles are a testament to their relentless dedication, teamwork, and passion for the sport. But beyond the trophies and titles, what truly defines this team is the strong bond they share—with each other, their coaches, and the supporters who have stood by them every step of the way.
Perez says, “Our friends, our school, our community- every single cheer, every word of encouragement, every hug after a hard day pushed us forward. This win isn’t just ours- it belongs to every single person who stood by us. We did this together.”
As they celebrate another historic season, the Dons continue to inspire their school and community, proving that success is built not just on talent, but on heart, perseverance, and unwavering support.
