Freshman varsity cheerleaders Jackson Pelletier and Madox Alvarez have made the U.S. National Youth Coed Cheer Team (YUCO). They will compete against other youth teams from different countries in Orlando at the International Cheer Union (ICU) Worlds competition this April.

As this is their first year doing high school competitive cheerleading, the dynamic duo had no idea what to expect throughout the season. A life-changing opportunity like this was something that was off their radar. At a competition hosted at Rolling Meadows High School in mid-December, a YUCO coach spotted them and asked them to come try out for the team. Tryouts were then held the day after that competition.

“I was really scared of being unprepared and not at the right skill level for the team. I was also scared and intimidated of talking to new people, but after I was done I found out I should not have been because they were really nice,” Alvarez said.

Hundreds of young cheerleaders try out for the U.S. National Team in hopes of receiving a spot on the all-girl or coed team, but not everyone will earn that honor. The pair isn’t taking this chance for granted and are eager to get started.

“I was most excited to try out and see the higher level skills that the team did. Now, I’m most excited to meet everyone that has made the team and get right to work. It will definitely be a different type of coaching and I will learn how to do many more advanced skills with good technique,” Pelletier said.

Pelletier and Alvarez originally had no plan to join cheerleading at Niles West. After participating in it during their eighth-grade year at Parkview and lots of convincing from Parkview alumni, they decided to try high school cheerleading.

“I chose to become a competitive cheerleader for my love of tumbling and because my best friend is doing it. I also had upperclassmen that told me I would be a good fit,” Alvarez said.

Pelletier was also influenced to join the team.

“I mostly got talked into cheerleading. My original plan was to wrestle and play baseball for the school, but after being [convinced] to choose cheer I realized it was the better and more fun option,” Pelletier said.

Pelletier and Alvarez have supportive teammates and encouraging friends in their corner.

“I wish I had more of these opportunities, but I’m very happy for them and what they can now bring to the team with this new experience,” sophomore varsity cheerleader Milan Dotlich said.

Their determination hasn’t gone unnoticed, especially by other coaches.

“Their work ethic is phenomenal in terms of dedication. They have grown so much since they joined our program. I’m extremely proud of our two athletes, Jackson and Madox. It’s very rewarding for someone to recognize their talent at a competition and be recruited to even try out for the team. We are so honored that these two athletes will be representing Niles West High School on the YUCO team,” Head Cheerleading Coach Barbara Carabio said.