A cheerleading team is meant to rile up the crowd during key moments of a game and inspire school spirit. For the East Haven cheerleading team, it has certainly done that for the East Haven High School athletic program and its supporters and has carried that same fire over to its competitive campaign this winter.

Head Coach Tianna Speringo noted that when she set out objectives for her girls this competition season, they included adding to their techniques and expanding their repertoire when it came to the mats. Nearing the end of the run, she proclaimed that the Yellowjackets have progressed well to those endpoints while striving for further and further solo successes daily.

“Some of the goals I had for the team coming into the season were to have inverted stunts and more tumbling,” said Speringo. “At this point in the season, the girls have accomplished them and push themselves every day to get better.”

Speaking furthermore to the development of the culture of camaraderie and cohesion within the squad and its ranks, East Haven has grown into a familial feel when it comes to coming together as a group. Speringo surmised that fostering that family atmosphere amongst the team cannot impede any progress, especially when you have superb seniors creating connections between all classes and grade groups.

“One of the biggest accomplishments we have achieved this year as a team is the family bond,” Coach Speringo said. “These girls treat each other like they are sisters and have really become so close, which is what you want when being on a team. If you have this strong bond that my girls have, nothing can stand in your way. I’m also so proud of my seniors for really taking the time to bring their team together and pushing the underclassmen to be the best version of themselves.”

The Yellowjackets boast a squad of the smaller size for its actual competitive roster. And while it may be small, it is equally mighty and senior-laden–creating a bonus layer of veteran support during the tougher moments of competitions.

“Overall, they have really worked together as a team,” said Speringo. “We have 11 girls take to the mat for competition, the majority of them seniors, and those 11 push themselves every day to be the best version of themselves.”

At the SCC Championship on Feb. 4 at North Haven High School, East Haven placed eighth in the All-Girl Division with a team tally of 64.15 points. Hand took the crown with a score of 83.95, and the host Nighthawks were second with 79.95 points. The Yellowjackets finished ahead of ninth-place Sacred Heart Academy (who nabbed 62.20 points), Mercy in 10th (58.40 points), and Sheehan in 11th place (50.65 points as a group).

“The girls’ performance at this year’s SCC [Championship] competition was more than I could have asked for,” Speringo said. “They all performed very well, especially being under so much pressure. Every one of them went out there and gave it their all.”

The Yellowjackets had two athletes make the All-SCC Team this year, with Adriana Esposito and Kolbey Nastri.

East Haven additionally boasts five senior captains this year to guide this Yellowjackets’ group. No matter their background as students, athletes, or in cheerleading, the one common denominator throughout the quintet is a trait of tremendous heart for the sport, along with displaying love and respect for the program.

“Taya Ragaini is someone who is passionate, confident, and ambitious. Adriana Esposito is optimistic, passionate, and ambitious,” said Coach Speringo. “Libbey Nastri is always caring, honest, and passionate. Ella Severino is honest, cooperative, and passionate. Madison DiNuzzo is a great communicator, honest, and passionate. All five of my captains are also very loyal and dependable to the team and their coaches.”

Next up for the Yellowjackets are the state championship competitions, which will be held on Saturday, March 4, at the Floyd Little Athletic Center in New Haven. While Speringo and East Haven are eager to get to the mat that date and enjoy themselves, conversely, they are ready to use every ounce of energy when it comes to representing their school and leaving no stone unturned.

“The mentality of the team heading into states is to go out there and give it their all, but most importantly, to have fun,” said Speringo. “For most of my seniors, this is the last time they will ever be a cheerleader again. As emotional of a time as this is, they come into every practice ready to give it 110%. As we like to say at practice, ‘It’s grind time’. No matter what, this is the time you put in all the hard work and leave it all out on the mat.”

The complete team roster for the East Haven cheerleading team is composed of Taya Ragaini, Libbey Nastri, Madison DiNuzzo, Kolbey Nastri, Isabella Bunce, Emma Pascale, Adriana Esposito, Sarah Zambrano, Hannah Sawicki, Donna Garcia, Ella Severino, Filomena DiNuzzo, Alexandra Lesco, Emily Leopardi, Kayla DeJesus, Mia Pierce, Sofia Milano, and Gianna Perciballi.