After two consecutive national championships, Channel Islands Cheer is possibly changing divisions and its head captain.
Julissa Sanchez, currently a junior, has been a cheerleader since her sophomore year. Last week, she was named head captain of the cheer program for the upcoming season.
“I’m grateful for everyone who helped me and supported me throughout this process,” she said.
“Everyone played such a huge role in getting this position, and I’m forever grateful for this opportunity.”
Sanchez was a part of an interview process for the position that included seven fellow cheerleaders. Coach Bobby Morales, Coach Breanna Winbush, and Coach Mark Raquedan were a part of the committee that chose Sanchez for the position.
Out of all the other candidates, what stuck out to them was her self-confidence and inspiring nature towards her teammates. “Her confidence in herself and her willingness to be a leader is noticeable,” said coach Morales.
“To see her grow and become the leader she is, it’s just so inspiring,” coach Morales said.
On her journey towards becoming head captain, Sanchez faced many setbacks along the way.
“I went through a lot of challenges and hardships during my sophomore year,” said Sanchez.
“I started to become very insecure with myself because I saw a lot of talent in the team, and a lot of the times I felt that I wasn’t good enough. I was just really in my head about everything.”
Since last year, Sanchez has learned a lot about work ethic and discipline. “I was initially on Junior Varsity but through a lot of hard work and effort, I was moved up to varsity before my Sophomore year,” said Sanchez.
“Cheer has taught me that hard work and consistency pays off, especially in the long run.”
Sanchez has proved to be a natural team leader, even before she got selected for captain.
“She can really command the team. You can see her natural born leadership whenever she talks and whenever she tells her teammates what they need to work on, it just comes naturally for her,” coach Raquedan said.
This year, the team placed first in Varsity Show Cheer Novice Non Tumbling Large Finals with a score of 96.8889. Next year, the cheer coaches and Julissa hope to take on a new challenge, as they are possibly moving divisions as repeating National Champions.
“We’re thinking about changing divisions,” coach Morales said. “We’ve taken on more boys this year so we’re thinking we’re going into a coed division, which is going to be tougher but the challenge is good for us.”
With the new challenge ahead, Sanchez wants to continue to improve and guide her team towards another chance at a National Championship.
“I want to improve my leadership skills and be the best I could possibly be for my teammates.”
