Areli Vargas is a senior who was born on May 22, 2008. She started cheering for the Pasco High cheer team when she was 15. She was inspired to begin cheering to get out of her comfort zone and get involved with the school. Areli thought cheering would be a great way to meet new people, try something different, and build more school spirit. Now, at the age of 17, she is a cheerleader for the Pasco High cheer team. 

There are a lot of different things cheerleaders can do, but what does Areli do? 

“In cheer, I base and tumble, and I also compete in addition to doing sideline cheer. As a base, I help lift and support flyers during stunts, which takes a lot of strength and teamwork. Tumbling is one of my favorite parts because it pushes me to improve my skills and confidence. Competing is especially exciting because it brings out the best in our team and shows how much hard work we’ve put in.” 

How does she train outside of practice? 

“Outside of practice, I like to stay active and keep improving by going to the gym. I focus on workouts that help me build strength, flexibility, and endurance for cheer. Going to the gym also helps me stay consistent and motivated, so I can perform my best during stunts, tumbling, and competitions.” 

Areli seems to be a hard worker, so what are her goals for this season? 

“My goals for this season are to hit all stunts, improve tumbling, build stronger leadership and teamwork skills, and of course, head to state!” 

What is the most challenging thing for Areli? 

“The most challenging thing is balancing cheer with being a full-time CBC student and working. It can be a lot to handle, but I stay focused and manage my time so I can keep up with everything.” 

How does she deal with loss? 

“When we lose, I try to look at what we can improve on instead of just feeling down. I remind myself that every loss teaches us something for the next time.” 

How does she feel after a win? How does she celebrate? 

“After a win, I feel proud and excited because all the hard work pays off. We usually celebrate by going out to eat.” 

Melissa Wright is the cheer head coach, but does she believe Areli deserves to be the athlete of the week? “Yes! Areli is consistent in her grades and attendance both at school and at practice. As a student athlete, grades will always decide if you compete in cheer. I have never had to worry if she will be grade eligible.” 

Does Coach believe Areli deserves the position she is in? 

“Cheer does not do captains. As a Senior on the team, Areli should automatically be leading by example. She is more of a silent leader. She leads by example by showing up each day, getting good grades and giving her best during practices. I have found she is trying to get more comfortable using her voice to lead.” 

What is something that sets Areli apart from the rest? 

“Definitely grades! I always know she’s going to give her best and have almost perfect grades.” 

What are some of Areli’s qualities that the Coach looks for to build a good team? 

“To be on my team, I first look at grades. To be able to compete or cheer at games, I check grades each week. They must be grade-eligible to participate in assemblies, games, and competitions. I also look at dependability, kindness, respect, and commitment. Areli has all of those traits!” 

What type of person is Areli during games and practice? 

“Most of the time, Areli is locked in from the beginning of practice during stretching all the way to the end when we have circle. She often encourages others to focus as well. She is very rarely not on task. She’s always ready to work.” 

What are some strengths and weaknesses Areli has that the coach notices? 

“Her only weaknesses that I notice are believing in her own abilities. Sometimes she can hold herself back from moving forward. But as she builds self-confidence, she does better each day. Also, sometimes if her friends on the team don’t want to do certain events or activities, she won’t branch out to be with other teammates. Although she is very friendly to everyone, she finds comfort in her core group. But I do feel like she is working on getting comfortable with being with everyone outside of practices.” 

Ava Rodriguez cheers alongside Areli, but does she believe Areli deserves to be the athlete of the week? “I think Areli does deserve to be the athlete of the week because she is so hardworking that she deserves to be recognized.” 

What is something that sets Areli apart from the rest?  

“Something that stands out about her is she cares about people and things deeply, she takes everything to heart, and her empathy is something to admire.” 

Does Ava believe Areli deserves the position she is in? 

“I believe Areli deserves the position she’s in because she’s just so kind and genuine. Areli is just real, like she is a real, genuine person who works hard.” 

What type of person is Areli during games and practice? 

“The type of person she is at practice and games is that she is so funny, she can take jokes and laugh, but when it’s time to get serious, she always executes.” 

Is Areli a friend on and off cheer? 

“She is a friend on and off, this is my second year cheering with her, and all I have to say about her is amazing things.” 

What did Ava see Areli do to get into the position she is in? 

“She works so hard, and when I say she works hard, she genuinely does. Last season at state, we shared a room together, and when we did, everyone stayed up late, like playing around or watching something on their phone while she was on her computer doing homework. At all our competitions, we would have to be there early in the morning. I’d see her on that computer doing schoolwork, then go out to perform 100% and get back on that computer.” 

Areli is a senior, as stated in the beginning, and is probably one of the athletes with the most school spirit. But since it is her final year at Pasco High, will she continue to cheer beyond the high school level? 

“I want to continue cheering after high school because it’s something I love, it keeps me motivated, and I want to cheer in college!”