Monash Mystics to compete in the US Cheerleading Championships
Monash Mystics cheerleaders to compete at world championships in US
THE Monash Mystics will be cheering all the way to the US this month where they will compete against the world’s best cheerleaders.
The seven-person Monash University pom team was invited to compete at the 2015 USASF/IASF World Championships after placing second at the Australian All Star Cheerleading Federation National Championships in November.
Captain Michelle Kelly, who joined the Monash Mystics in 2012, said her team was highly motivated.
“No one is slacking off this year, everyone has been fully committed,” Kelly said.
“People are turning up for extra training that’s not compulsory, so (being captain) is a really rewarding role for me.”
The Cheltenham student said most people on the team had trained as dancers from a young age but cheerleading was highly challenging.
“It requires a lot more fitness than anything I’ve ever done before,” Kelly said.
“It involves a really high intensity cardio workout, with jumping, kicking and turning multiple times in a row.
“It’s only a two-and-a-half minute routine but it really takes it out of you.”
Kelly said the US and Japanese teams were the ones to beat at the World Championships, held from April 25-27.
The Monash Mystics are eligible to be a Waverley Leader FOX SPORTS PULSE team sports star nominee.
