Zama and Kadena have the most to cheer about

Zama’s cheerleading team has become synonymous with winning Far East championships.

Led by All-Far East juniors Lea Rolland, Evelyn Schmidt, Lani Pueblos and Kyona Lisboa, the Trojans made it three straight Far East Division II titles in this week’s competition at Yokota Air Base, Japan. It’s their fourth D-II title dating to 2016 and fifth overall since 1989.

Meanwhile, two-time All-Far East cheerleaders Jayla Shipp, Navoni’ Perry and Sarah Beth Walker and freshman Charlotte Fussinger boosted Kadena to its 10th Division I title and third in six years.

“From the moment this team was formed, it was clear they had the makings of champions,” Kadena coach Jennifer Tibbs said. “They had an unmatched work ethic, a relentless commitment to technical excellence and a deep understanding that execution and dedication win titles.”

The Trojans faced what coach Lyndsay Morrison called unexpected challenges throughout the season, but they “demonstrated resilience, unity and a deep commitment to one another,” she said.

“Their positivity, encouragement and teamwork defined this championship run,” Morrison said. “We are all overjoyed.”

The combined clinic-competition featured seven DODEA-Pacific D-II schools from Japan and Korea plus Okinawa Christian; and six D-I schools, from Japan, Korea, Okinawa and Guam plus American School In Japan. The event was taped on the first and second days.

Three-peating as D-II champions also served as a sendoff for senior Paula Adams, “who concludes her cheer career having contributed to all three of our championship banners,” Morrison said.

She also cited the team’s newest members, juniors Markell Cerrada and Ella Nguyen and freshmen Naomi Coleman and Kaelyn Perez, who “also played critical roles in securing the title.”

“Every member of our team had a role and they stepped in and made it happen,” Morrison said. “I believe this victory reflects not only athletic success but the heart and togetherness of our team.”

For Kadena, Shipp has been a cornerstone in the only team to have all of its athletes nominated for All-Far East. Shipp was named the event’s Most Valuable Player and top jumper for the second straight year, while the Panthers won the all-girl stunt group event.

The Panthers, too, faced what Tibbs called “significant adversity” during the season.

They met it with “resilience rather than fear, choosing to push forward even when things were difficult, showing a willingness to put in the work, stay committed and believe in something bigger than themselves,” Tibbs said.

Division I

1. Kadena, 2. ASIJ, 3. Humphreys

All-Far East team: Kadena: Jayla Shipp (Most Valuable Player), Navoni’ Perry (repeat), Sarah Beth Walker (repeat), Charlotte Fussinger; American School In Japan: Anna Fink (repeat), Reina Maei, Lia Junsay; Humphreys: Jolia Ortiz; Guam: Hayden Buck, Alyssa Lorenzo, Lily Young; Kubasaki: Esra Solano.

Division II

1. Zama, 2. Yokota, 3. Robert D. Edgren

All-Far East team: Zama: Evelyn Schmidt (repeat), Lani Pueblos (repeat), Kyona Lisboa (repeat), Lea Rolland; Yokota: Karli Smathers, Johannah Villagomez, Grace Bennett; E.J. King: Gabriella Barrera (repeat), Lily Jarvis; Osan: Kemora Nash; Daegu: Angeli Huerta; OCSI: Ahiru Tsuchida.

Top jumper: Shipp (repeat)

Top tumbler: Solano

All-girl stunt: Kadena, Walker, Shipp, Kenadee Darter and Daisy Gray-Reese.

Partner stunt: Zama