For sophmores Ava Hazel and Ayla Madsen, varsity cheer at Shadow Ridge High School is more than practices, games, and competitions. It’s a shared experience built on years of friendship. Now in their second year cheering together on the varsity team, the two best friends continue to grow both as athletes and as individuals.
Hazel and Madsen first met through their older sisters, and their connection was instant.
“We clicked because we had so much in common,” Madsen said.
What started as a simple introduction quickly turned into a lasting friendship that has stood the test of time. That bond only strengthened once they joined the Shadow Ridge varsity cheer team. Being teammates has brought them even closer, allowing them to support each other both on and off the mat.
“Our friendship has gotten even closer since we joined the cheer team,” Madsen and Hazel shared.
Over the years, Madsen and Hazel have made countless memories together. Some of their favorite moments include running out onto the competition mat side by side and standing next to each other on the sidelines during football games. Those shared moments, they say, make the long hours of practice and preparation worth it.
The most rewarding part of being on varsity cheer, according to Madsen, is seeing how teamwork leads to success.
“Showing how our teamwork really helps us grow and brings us to wins is the best part,” she said.
The team’s competition routine is a particular point of pride, with athletes putting in months of dedication and effort to perfect it.
Support plays a major role in their success. Hazel and Madsen motivate each other during practices and competitions by talking through challenges and hyping each other up when nerves set in. That encouragement helps keep them confident and focused under pressure.
The best friends encourage younger cheerleaders to stay committed and believe in themselves.
“Stay dedicated and confident, and no matter what, believe in yourself,” they advised.
Beyond cheer, being part of a team filled with friends has had a lasting impact. Madsen and Hazel say it has shaped their personality in positive ways and created a space where she can always be herself.
As they continue their varsity journey, Ava Hazel and Ayla Madsen look forward to what lies ahead, ready to face the future together on the mat and beyond.
