Albuquerque Academy students and fans have a new team to cheer for on the basketball court.

After a 41-year hiatus, Academy has welcomed back cheerleading with a spirited return. The new squad, founded and led by senior captains Isabella Romero ‘25 and Miel Padilla ‘25, brought energy and enthusiasm to the Charger’s basketball game on December 3rd when they made their cheerleading debut with their own choreographed routines. The cheerleading team has 14 rehearsed performances in its repertoire.

The formation of the squad began with a question during a morning assembly: why doesn’t Academy have cheerleaders?

Romero and Padilla decided to make their own answer.

The two leaders took the initiative to pitch the idea to the Head of School, Julianne Puente. With her support, and the approval of Athletic Director Taryn Bachis, a team was reborn.

Romero says that even with the implementation of the mascot two years ago, the Chargers lacked that je ne sais quoi that the school needed to inspire and excite the school’s athletic crowds. The passion is back!“I feel as if our school has lacked school spirit,” she said. “So, me and Miel felt this [a cheerleading squad] would really promote students to come to more games and be more excited and enthusiastic about school events.”

The new 48-member cheering squad consists of 47 girls and one boy, Callahan Camp ’28. The team includes students from grades 9 through 12. The cheerleaders are divided by grade to cheer for C-Team, Junior Varsity and Varsity teams. Practices are held in the Performance Hall three times a week after school and twice in the morning.

According to Head Coach Cristin Kiburz, a former collegiate cheerleader and coach, inclusivity is an important part of the program.

“We are a no-cut team because we want to make this a fun and welcoming environment for all interested students regardless of their cheer experience. We also believe all can contribute to the cheerleading team’s success,” said Kiburz. “These new cheerleaders are all so fun to work with, and [they are] so nice, respectful and excited about bringing school spirit to Academy.”

In addition to energizing the boys and girls home basketball games, the team already has its sights set on expanding its repertoire. By January, they hope to master a total of 30 cheers and lay the groundwork to cheer at football and volleyball games, as well as community events.

At present, however, the cheerleading team is focused on learning fundamentals like jumps and chants and working in sync. But Kiburz says to stay tuned because the team will be working on more complicated moves and stunts such as basket tosses and pyramids. She looks to incorporate these fancy maneuvers next year.

“As a whole, our students, families, and alumni should be proud of what Academy has to offer, and what better way to celebrate this than through school spirit,” Kiburz said. “Everyone comes together to celebrate one thing—their school!”

Team members note that cheerleading is about more than just rallying the crowd—it’s about fostering unity and school pride.

“Cheerleaders are truly ambassadors for the school,” Kiburz added.

With a strong foundation by this pioneering squad, the Chargers’ spirit is set to soar even higher and give fans plenty to cheer about in the years ahead.

So, for now, there will be more than shooting and running at Charger basketball games—keep those eyes also on the kicks, jumps, tosses, dances, and pom-poms along the courtside.