This is a printer-friendly version of an article from Zip06.com.
11/07/2024 12:00 AMHannah Sawicki has always had the infectious spirit synonymous with a diligent and successful cheerleader. Her pride and passion for her school and team shine through her impeccable leadership skills and commitment to the East Haven cheerleading squad, which includes having the acumen to do it all on the mats.
The East Haven senior started cheerleading in first grade and participated in it all through eighth grade, but then she picked it back up post-Covid and joined the Yellowjackets’ high school program. While it was Hannah’s first competitive cheer experience, she has taken quite a liking to it and has done it all—from being a flyer to a tumbler to also being named a captain.
“My family has played a big role in my success. My mom has never missed a game or competition that I have had,” says Hannah. “Another big part of it all has been having bonds with my teammates. I have loved meeting new people and friends through cheerleading that I would have not otherwise met.”
Through her time within the competitive ranks on the mats, Hannah notes that it certainly brings healthy contests in-house. Yet it is all for the better, as the individual matchups are what truly bring out the best in each athlete. Personal development is so crucial in a sport that, she notes, relies on the solo output of each participant more than others.
“Cheerleading is such a competitive sport, and it can be a competitive one within a team,” says Hannah. “We really all push each other to work harder. It is also really a team sport; you cannot rely on one single person. You personally always have a role in the sport, and you can achieve better.”
Hannah has recently discovered a great deal of diversity within her skill set. She explains that she certainly had to step outside her comfort zone, though it allowed her to garner a deeper level of appreciation for her colleagues.
“In my first three years of high school, I was mainly a flyer. I was mainly in the air, and it is a position with a lot of pressure,” Hannah says. “Towards the end of my junior years, I started trying to do more stunts and tumbling. I pushed myself by realizing I could do more. The biggest adjustment was learning to play a different role. It is a new dynamic that makes you think how hard the other girls work at their roles.”
As the Yellowjackets begin to look towards the days of winter and the competition season for the squad, they are looking to bring home the hardware this year. Yet within the program, Hannah wants any shy newcomers to feel at home, with her being the best host emotionally and spiritually.
“My biggest goal for this team is to see us win states and do well at our competitions,” says Hannah. “More importantly, I want the freshmen that are new to cheerleading to feel like I am someone they can come to for help on anything and look up to me, rather than seeing me as a boss. I also love working with all of the girls because I feel like I learn something new from them.”
East Haven cheerleading Head Coach Tianna Speringo notes that she could not have wished for a more consummate captain than Hannah. Not only is she someone who is never afraid to be flexible in her role for the betterment of the group, but she does it without asking a question while showing reverence to each one of her peers and mentors.
“Hannah is one of our flyers on the team. She also is one of our tumblers on the team, as well. She is always willing to help out everyone and motivate the team,” says Speringo. “At practice, she gives 100% and is a great go-to person for the girls. She is always kind and respectful to not only her coaches, but her teammates, as well. She never gives up on anything and is a very flexible person. One day, we may need her to fly, and then another, we may need her to base. We have her back, and she never gives a problem. It’s really great having an athlete like Hannah on our team that is willing to do anything that is asked of her. This makes her a great role model for all the girls on our team. Hannah truly has a heart of gold and is one of the kindest and funniest athletes we have. She makes coaching the team and coming to practice fun and enjoyable.”
Teamwork is something that is so synonymous with success in the working world, which Hannah has seen and experienced first hand. She explains that for each cog in the well-oiled machine to move freely and flawlessly, everyone must come together with harmony and synergy.
“I have definitely learned that the team dynamic is important,” says Hannah. “If one person doesn’t get along with another, you have to be in sync out there because it is like a domino effect for the rest of the team. You have to create those bonds, and I have also learned that you need to leave any differences between people on a team at the door and work collectively.”