As the winter season draws to a close, South Brunswick High School’s Varsity Cheerleading team (SBVC) is wrapping up a winter season defined by growth, change, and unforgettable moments by celebrating their banquet on March 23rd. This year marked the start of a new chapter under head coach Rachael Levonaitis, a math and AP Statistics teacher who stepped into the role with both excitement and determination.
Taking over a program always comes with challenges, and Levonaitis admitted her biggest concern was making sure everything behind the scenes ran smoothly. “I think the biggest thing I was nervous for was making sure that everything behind the scenes was done in time and done correctly,” she said, pointing specifically to the organization required for the team’s annual UCA Summer Camp. Despite those early worries, the season quickly proved to be a success.
The banquet itself was a warm and lively celebration of everything the team had accomplished this season. The room was filled with long tables (and lines) decorated with catered food, drinks, and desert. Teammates gathered to eat, talk, and relive their favorite memories together. Laughter carried throughout the room as stories from games, practices, and bus-rides were shared, reflecting the bond the team built throughout the year. Between speeches and moments of recognition, the night balanced celebration and reflection, giving athletes, coaches, and families a chance to appreciate the hard work and dedication that defined this season of SBVC.
From the very beginning of the year, SBVC set the tone. Over the summer, the team’s camp routine earned first place, the momentum carrying into vivacious Friday nights under the lights. The winter season continued with cheerleaders traveling to support the boys’ basketball team during their away playoff games for GMC’s and States, and experience that showcased the team’s commitment both on and off the sidelines.
While the season was filled with exciting milestones, it also marks a bittersweet farewell to four seniors: Amy Flores, Gianna Seno, Nishita Katare, and Paige Pasquariello. Each of them has left a lasting impact on the program.
For Flores, one standout memory was “cheering at the NB football game my junior year,” a rival game that captured the true pride and essence of being a cheerleader. Looking ahead, she plans to continue cheering in college, crediting SBVC for inspiring her to keep pursuing something she loves. Reflecting on her journey, she shared a message for her younger self: “I would tell her to slow down and enjoy her time on the team as best as she can.”
Seno’s favorite memory dates back to her freshman year at camp, when the team “won the banana for the first time in SBHS history.” She recalled how meaningful it was after the hard work the team had put in. Like Flores, Seno plans to cheer in college, saying that SBVC showed her how much she truly loves the sport, and how far determination can take her. “Anything is possible as long as you want it bad enough.” she said. “All of the hard work that I put in ended up getting me so far from where I started.”
Coach Lev expressed deep pride in the seniors, having watched them grow into the leaders they became this year. “I watched them grow up and become the athletes that lead our team this year and I couldn’t be more proud of them,” she said. “I’m so excited to see what the future holds for each and every one of them.”
As SBVC looks ahead, the future of the program looks bright. Lev hopes to continue building the team and eventually introduce a competitive aspect into the program. Drawing from her own experience, she believes that competition can help athletes grow both in cheer and life. “The goal is to continue to build the program and increase dedication to the sport and the team,” she said.
With a successful season behind them, strong leadership guiding the way, and a team willing to step up, South Brunswick Varsity cheer is the program to watch.
