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09/24/2024 10:55 AMKolbey Nastri has utilized team spirit and the encouragement of others to push herself quite far in the sport of cheerleading. It has led to her becoming arguably the most decorated athlete in the history of East Haven cheerleading.
The East Haven senior danced for 11 years before moving her feet over to cheerleading around sixth grade. Kolbey is now a two-year captain and has received All-SCC Team accolades three years in a row, as well as matching that feat with respect to the All-State squad. She set history in the process by becoming the first ever East Haven cheerleader to accomplish this goal.
“I love the coaches along with all the friends I have made through cheerleading, and it is a good environment to be in every day. My mother and my coaches have been really big supporters of mine and believed in me even when I didn't believe in myself,” says Kolbey. “Being named All-SCC and All-State three straight years felt really good, and I am hoping to do it for a fourth year. It is an amazing accomplishment to be recognized like that.”
Even more impressive during that stretch was that Kolbey also shifted her assignment on routines. It was a shift moving from high to low for Kolbey, but she made it through the bumpy ride thanks to her self-confidence and the help and belief of her teammates.
“Being a flier, I am lifted up and get to be in the air, which I absolutely love. But then I switched to base, and it was hard at first, but the people around me helped me, and I became pretty good at it,” Kolbey says. “The switch was really tough at first. Physically, I was not as strong when I started with base because you have to lift someone up. I worked on improving my strength, and it was hard mentally because it was different from being in the air. But now, I love basing and wouldn’t change it for anything. I have improved on my stunting and tumbling, but I can always improve on those items.”
Stepping into the fold as a rookie, Kolbey would face some apprehension in her head. Yet she calmed down through the years and learned to just stay in the moment to push to better times.
“My mentality has gotten better over the years,” says Kolbey. “I would be nervous as a freshman because I would get stressed out. I learned that it will be okay if I mess up, and I always tell myself that no matter how bad a day is, tomorrow will be better. I am more confident now because of everyone being there for me.”
Earning a second consecutive captain appointment, Kolbey is ready to take charge again. The girls have a great chance in front of them to garner collective recognition on the big stages, as well.
“It is a great honor because I get the chance to lead the team,” says Kolbey. “Last year in my first season as captain was rough, but we have a good shot to do well. We hope to come together as a team, do well, and place high at SCCs and states.”
Yellowjackets cheerleading Head Coach Tianna Speringo explains that naming Kolbey a captain this year was a no-brainer. It goes beyond her accolades, though, as she is someone who manages her time exceptionally, and she never stops doing what is best for the squad.
“When naming captains for the season, Kolbey really stuck out to me because of her determination and amazing leadership skills. We can’t wait to continue to watch her grow and hopefully go for her fourth year making the All-SCC and All-State teams,” says Speringo. “Her love for her sport, peers, and team is truly unmatched. She goes to school, works, and cheers. I truly don’t know how she finds time to do it all, but she balances it very well. Kolbey is an exceptional athlete and shows great levels of energy on and off the mat. She always shows up to practice ready to go and is always there for her team! She is a role model for not only her team, but her peers at school. Kolbey started out on the team as a flyer, however, last year, she learned to base and has come so far in this new role. She also is one of our tumblers on the team, as well. She is always willing to help out everyone and motivate the team. With competition season approaching us, I know that Kolbey will lead the team to success.”
When it comes to managing her time wisely, Kolbey keeps it simple to help her stay focused. She also loves the chance to just get at it every day and help whomever needs it.
“I always have a bunch of reminders for myself of when I have work and cheerleading, and I usually work on the days I do not have cheerleading practice,” Kolbey says. “It helps too because I work at a training facility for cheerleading where I am teaching kids, and it is nice to teach kids what I am doing. No matter what I have to do or how much I have to do, I just do it.”
The optimism around the Yellowjackets heading into the winter is palpable. The girls keep an open mind and heart to everything and everyone, as they are hungry to get it all going.
“This is a really positive team, and we are really coming together. We are always encouraging each other,” says Kolbey. “If something goes wrong, we will always correct it and just restart. I think having that mindset will help us for the competition season. We are all ready to work.”