January 22, 2026, by the Seward Folly Staff

Forget what you think you know about cheerleading; at Seward High, it’s not about popularity contests or pom-poms. For the Seahawks, cheer is a sport, plain and simple. The squad trains and competes with the same intensity as any varsity team, and their recent run at the Alaska State Championships proves it. Over the past few years, Seward’s cheerleaders have not only changed minds about what cheer means, but they’ve climbed the Division II ranks on precision, skill, and teamwork.

Photos by Goldie Shealy

But it’s not just about leading cheers during timeouts. The competition squad faces four scored routines: a one-minute sideline cheer, a timeout cheer, a situational cheer, and a halftime routine. Judges look for game knowledge, crowd leadership, sharp execution, and dynamic stunts and tumbling. For the Seahawks, these routines are a chance to show that cheer is about athleticism, discipline, and spirit.

Senior captain Lola Swanson found her way to cheer through her love of dance.

“I went out for cheer because it was the closest thing to dance at this school. I love dancing and have grown to love cheer, too. I like the competitive aspect,” she says.

Swanson’s background has given the squad a technical edge, and her leadership has helped raise the bar for everyone around her.

“Cheer isn’t about popularity here, it’s about athleticism and spirit,” adds co-captain Juniper Ingalls, who comes from a background in cross country running. “It’s about as opposite as you can get from the endurance sports I usually participate in. I love watching cheerleading, and even taught myself to tumble.”

Senior Somi Clendaniel, who joined the team as a sophomore, credits the program for teaching her what it means to be part of something bigger.

“I love how everyone works together in cheer to make something so harmonized and in synch. It’s all about teamwork,” she says.

Their influence is already shaping the next generation. Younger participants Sophia Hughes and Atigun Petersen both say Lola Swanson inspired them as their dance instructor. They loved watching the cheerleaders at games, and Sophia remembers being invited by her cousin to cheer with the high school squad when she was little. She always knew she’d become a cheerleader.

Coach Jean Beck, a former cheerleader and gymnast herself, and head coach during basketball season, says the team’s growth comes from treating cheer like any other competitive sport.

“We focus on fundamentals, strength, and execution. You can’t fake your way through a State routine. You have to put in the work,” she explains.

Coach Brittany Swanson, a Seward alum and head coach during football season, builds on that foundation by designing routines that highlight each athlete’s strengths.

“With a small team, everyone counts,” she says. “We design our routines to showcase each athlete’s strengths and to push the difficulty every year.”

At Seward, participation matters, especially in a small school. Anyone who wants to cheer can join. Advancing to State means proving you’re ready physically, mentally, and technically. Varsity spots go to those with the skills and consistency to handle the pressure, but every cheerleader plays a vital role in the program.

This year’s seniors have led the charge, bringing a mix of technical skill, discipline, and the kind of leadership that sets the tone for everyone else. Their drive has pushed the team to new heights.

Seward’s cheer legacy includes State Championships in 2006 and 2019, both won with just four athletes. That tradition of determination and teamwork still motivates today’s squad.

The Seahawk cheerleaders have come a long way, building skill and confidence with every season. Their hard work and dedication are clear, and while a DII State title is within reach, the experience and growth they’ve gained along the way matter just as much. If you’re headed to the State Basketball Championships, consider checking out the cheerleading competition, too. It takes place between the small school and large school games on March 17 at the Alaska Airlines Center. At the State Championship, teams can actually earn extra points for rallying the crowd. The louder and more engaged the fans, the higher the squad’s score for crowd leadership. That means Sewardites could have a direct impact on the outcome. If you want to help the team bring home the title, your voice in the stands truly matters. These athletes have earned your support.

Seahawk Cheer Roster:
Senior- Lola Swanson (Captain)

Senior- Juniper Ingalls (Co-Captain)

Senior- Somi Clendaniel 

Junior- Addison Gerlach 

Junior- Josie Andrews 

Sophomore- Sophia Hughes

Sophomore- MaKenzie Davis 

Sophomore- Atigun Petersen

Sophomore- Amiyah Tatum 

Freshman- Elise Davis 

Good luck to the squad as they work towards the Alaska State High School DII Cheerleading State Championship.