The Benet Academy cheerleading squad placed first at Carl Sandburg on Dec. 3, picking up where they left off from a solid season last year where they placed 19th in the state.

“We are hoping to qualify for the IHSA state this year and hopefully make the top 10,” said Coach Danielle Kowalski.

Last season JoJo Morlock and Taylor Sperling were named IHSCCO All-State, which Kowalski said was a testament to the hard work and dedication they put in to the cheer team, personal growth and the sport in general.

“They are considered among the best in the state of Illinois in 2023,” Kowalski said.

The team is returning its enter varsity team from last year aside from one graduated senior. They also added two freshmen and moved an athlete up from JV. Standout seniors include Morlock, Lily Barz and Christopher Charles.

The roster includes: Barz, Morlock, Madeline Baratta, Mackenzie Griffin, Gilbert Johnson, Grace Ronek, Taylor Sperling, Madeline Bayer, Autumn Johnson, Jayleen Contreras, Morgan Murphy and Molly Cannon.

This is the sixth season for Kowalski at Benet Academy, and she has been coaching cheerleading for more than 13 years. She got her coaching philosophy from her college cheer coach, who she said was “terrible” and played favorites while being critical and giving up on new ideas.

“I never want my athletes to feel like I did from her so it motivates me to make every athlete feel appreciated,” she said.