Westfield cheerleading: Tradition, leadership, and teamwork
WESTFIELD, Ind. — At Westfield High School, cheerleading is more than a team; it鈥檚 a tradition rooted in pride, growth, and community. Under the leadership of Head Coach Chloe Sweetser and assistant coaches Amanda Walden, Madison Simpson, and Chelsea Hayes, the Westfield Cheerleading program continues to develop skilled athletes, build confidence, and lead the Shamrock community with energy and heart.
Building More Than Cheerleaders
Values of teamwork, accountability, and resilience guide Westfield鈥檚 cheer program. Athletes are not only trained in tumbling, stunting, and choreography; they鈥檙e also encouraged to lead, support one another, and represent Westfield Washington Schools with integrity.
鈥淲e鈥檙e not just preparing athletes, we鈥檙e shaping leaders,鈥� says Coach Sweetser. 鈥淥ur cheerleaders are role models, and that comes with responsibility. But it also comes with the joy of knowing you’re part of something bigger than yourself.鈥�
The program鈥檚 goals for the season are clear: promote school spirit and community engagement, support athletic events like football, basketball, and Unified Flag Football, and connect with the youngest Shamrocks through the WYSI cheer program. Beyond physical performance, the team focuses on creating a culture of positivity, encouragement, and growth.
Strong Start, Bright Momentum
The season launched with a powerful experience at UCA Masters Camp at Indiana University Bloomington. There, five Westfield cheerleaders (Ella Stevens, Natalia Rupp, Kate Garver, Emaleigh Hibler, and Paisley Beier) were selected as UCA All-Americans, setting a high standard for the months ahead.
鈥淚t鈥檚 about more than skills,鈥� says Sweetser. 鈥淚t鈥檚 about effort, energy, and setting the tone for the year. That camp was the perfect way to do it.鈥�
Student Spotlights
Several athletes are already standing out as leaders and role models.
Emaleigh Hibler, a four-year varsity member, competes at the elite level with ICE Indy鈥檚 鈥淕olden Girls鈥� Level 6 team. Named a UCA All-American for 2024 and 2025, Emaleigh is focused on cheering at the collegiate level.
Rachel Stayer, also a four-year varsity member, is a dependable leader who brings both skill and poise to the team. She鈥檚 deeply involved in student government and plays a key role in shaping the team鈥檚 tone and culture.
Kate Garver, now in her third year on the varsity team, is known for her energy and consistency. 鈥淗er leadership is essential to creating a strong culture of positivity,鈥� Sweetser says.
Growth On and Off the Mat
This season, the team has already shown tremendous growth in both technical skills and team dynamics. Stunt technique, tumbling confidence, and choreography have all improved, but perhaps most impressive is the transformation in culture.
鈥淥ur communication has improved, and there鈥檚 a renewed sense of unity,鈥� says Sweetser. 鈥淎thletes are stepping up to lead warm-ups, mentor newer teammates, and encourage each other with patience and respect.鈥�
Trust, accountability, and team chemistry are crucial in a sport that demands precise coordination and heightened safety awareness. According to the coaching staff, the team has made major strides in each area.
A Special Experience
For Westfield cheerleaders, being part of the program is more than just a high school activity; it鈥檚 a formative and memorable experience.
鈥淲e鈥檙e not just a team鈥攚e鈥檙e a family,鈥� says Sweetser. 鈥淭hat connection is what makes this program special. We laugh together, train together, grow together, and show up for each other鈥攐n the sidelines and beyond.鈥�
Each year, the team competes at UCA Nationals in Orlando, Florida, an unforgettable opportunity that deepens bonds and challenges athletes to perform at their highest level. It鈥檚 one of many traditions that help define the program鈥檚 legacy.
Inspiring the Next Generation
One of Westfield Cheerleading鈥檚 proudest traditions is Kid鈥檚 Night, an event that invites students in grades K鈥�6 to cheer alongside the JV and Varsity teams at a home football game. This year鈥檚 Kid鈥檚 Night will take place on October 10, when the Shamrocks take on Fishers High School.
鈥淚t鈥檚 one of our favorite events of the year,鈥� says Sweetser. 鈥淪eeing little ones light up as they cheer with our athletes is priceless. It鈥檚 about planting seeds and making memories.鈥�
Families interested in starting their cheer journey are encouraged to explore opportunities through the WYSI cheer program or local teams, such as ICE Indy, both based in Westfield.
How the Community Can Help
Community support plays a key role in the team鈥檚 success. From cheering in the stands on Friday nights to attending showcases or helping with fundraising efforts, the Westfield community is always welcome to get involved.
The team is currently accepting community sponsorships to help offset travel and competition costs for UCA Nationals in Orlando this February. Support through business sponsorships, financial contributions, or in-kind donations makes a real impact on student-athletes.
鈥淲e鈥檙e so thankful for the support we receive,鈥� says Sweetser. 鈥淚t鈥檚 what allows us to dream big and give our athletes experiences they鈥檒l never forget.鈥�
Carrying the Spirit
As the season unfolds, Westfield Cheer continues to bring energy, pride, and purpose to every performance.
Whether leading the crowd under the Friday night lights or representing the district on a national stage, these athletes are living out the true spirit of the Shamrocks.
And of course, every performance鈥攁nd every moment of pride鈥攊s punctuated by the beloved words of the Westfield fight song:
Glory To Old Westfield – Words by Byford F. Inman & H.W. Bowman
Glory to old Westfield, we love our name鈥� Throughout the land, we’ll sing praise of our fame鈥� RA RA RA鈥� Till every loyal heart is filled through and through鈥� With the glory of old Westfield, our dear old鈥� Westfield School鈥� Ra Ra Ra Sisboom bah鈥� Westfield High School鈥� Ra Ra Ra
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