The 2022-23 Socorro cheerleaders include (Back row L-R) Selina Murillo (manager), Rhiannon Ross (coach), Karen Navrotsky, Serina Garcia, Mya Gonzales, Najiah Lucero, Vanessa Gutierrez, Hannah Gaudern, Madelyn Romero. (Front row L-R) Elyse Rosas, Serenity Montoya, Emely Ruiz, Genesis Whitt. Not pictured: Jazmine Alvarado (manager).
Courtesy photo

A lack of experience didn’t stop Socorro High School varsity cheerleaders as the hometown girls put up a strong performance and placed third at the Spirit of Hope competition at Tingley Coliseum in Albuquerque this past weekend.

“This was our first competition of the season, and with over half of our team members new to competition cheer, it was nerve-racking for sure,” Socorro cheer coach Rhiannon Ross said. “These athletes have so much dedication and heart. I am so incredibly proud of my girls. They all worked very hard to get competition ready while still cheering for both football and basketball.”

The Spirit of Hope featured more than 150 performances by 50 schools and cheer clubs from across the state.

Socorro’s third place came in the “Small Group – Game Day” division.

The competition is the first of four cheerleading competitions, with Socorro headed to the St. Pius Cheer Showcase on March 4.

Russell Huffman | Assistant Editor