March 24, 2009
COLLEGE PARK, Md. -
The competitive cheer team returned to the practice mat this week to continue working towards NCA Nationals in Daytona Beach, Fla. After taking some time off over spring break, the Terps are back for more preparation over the next few weeks.
There are 10 Terp newcomers heading to Daytona Beach, Fla. for Nationals this year, yet only 20 girls will be able to take the floor for the actual competition. As the team continues to work hard, these newcomers are busy preparing for their first trip to college cheerleading's finale.
Freshman Ally Martel is one new face that already has locked up a spot in the final 20 girls competing at Nationals. When she first came to Maryland, Martel wasn't sure what to expect. With the help of the veterans, she soon found her way.
"Coming onto a team like Maryland that has been national champions for the past three years was a bit nerve-wracking, but the older girls were really welcoming, and inviting which made the transition much easier," she said. "It took some pressure off so that I could really feel comfortable on the team."
With the help of her teammates, Martell has worked hard to find her way. "I really try to take things one skill at a time," she said.
She got her first experience in competing in a big-time competition last month when the Terps won at Cheersport nationals in Atlanta.
With her first NCA Nationals just around the corner, Martell is ready to go because of the support from her teammates.
"We're all friends on and off the mat which I think contributes to our success. I also look to them as role models, especially the seniors because they were the first freshman class to start the winning streak and it would be absolutely amazing to be on the team that contributes to the fourth national title," she said.
The team will be competing in Florida April 9-10.
