The North Haven D10 Competition Cheerleading Team just finished an amazing season with a very unexpected but happy ending. The team, nicknamed “The Fierce Fifteen,” consisted of Sophia Asprelli, Giuliana Capozzo, Melissa Carmen, Madison Cretella, Stella D’Angelo, Violet Danis, Charlotte DeFrancesco, Victoria DeSimone, Ally Fitzgerald, Jess Fitzgerald, Madelyn Gherman, Cora Gilmore, Sadie Hettrick, Jocelyn Kenyon, and Lea Quinnones.

Coached by Jenn Hettrick, Lindsay Capozzo and Nicole Fitzgerald, this cheerleading team was crowned 1st place in their local competition held in Shelton, and crowned 2nd place in their state competition held in Hartford.

Placing in the top three in Hartford qualified them to compete at the AYC Regional Competition held at the Rhode Island Convention Center on Nov. 19.

The team placed 4th in this competition, making them ineligible to compete at the AYC National Competition in Florida. Tears were flowing after the results were called, but then to everyone’s shock and amazement, the coaches were notified that the 3rd place team forfeited their bid to Nationals, so the 4th place team got to take their place. Tears of heartache turned into tears of joy!

At the competition, held in Kissimmee, Florida, on Dec. 10, the team placed in the top 5 out of 16, which secured their spot to compete on day two. On the second day of the competition, the North Haven Nighthawks D10 Competition Cheerleaders placed third in the nation!

The North Haven Youth Football and Cheerleading program (NHYF&C) is proud of the accomplishments of these young cheerleaders, ranging in ages from 7-9. They have truly proven that hard work, dedication and a little bit of luck can take you to big places!

Information courtesy of Pam DeSimone