46 FEBRUARY 2021 By Rachael Bouley | PHOTOS BY ASHLEY PARCELL Since the season started in August, Arcadia High’s Varsity Pom team has been working hard to build on their past successes. Finishing as runners-up in the state the last two years, the girls are ready for the next level. Their determination paid off with a top performance at the first competition in mid-December. Coach Ashley Parcell said that finishing in the top spot at the USA Regional Virtual Competition was made possible due to their strong connection with one another and determination to keep improving. “The major keys to success were their perseverance to work harder than ever during a year with so many uncertainties, and the drive they have to push themselves to their limits and be the best they can be,” Parcell said. “My athletes love each other like a family.” Qualifying for USA Spirit Nationals was worth the intense practices. They spent about 8 to 11 hours a week focused on stretching, conditioning, dance techniques and rehearsal routines. “They work extremely hard, and I couldn’t ask for a better group of true athletes,” Parcell said. As they navigated the ups and downs of COVID, the squad said they appreciated spending time with one another at practice, and they were still able to cheer and perform at varsity football games while standing six feet apart. “The girls were happy they were able to support and cheer on the Arcadia Football Team,” Parcell said. “We have been extremely safe and have taken every measure possible, inside and outside of practices, to make sure we are all staying healthy.” Since starting the pom program three years ago, Parcell has shared some incredible memories with these athletes, including the seven seniors enjoying their last year on the team. “The seniors have helped grow and mold this program, and they have set the standard for the future of Arcadia Pom,” Parcell said. “It is hard to be a senior in the middle of a pandemic, as so much has been taken away from them, but somehow, they continue to show up to practice, push themselves and motivate the team, doing it all with grace.” The team has continued to train in preparation for nationals, and everyone is excited to see what will come next. “Some of our team goals are to attend nationals and make it to finals,” Parcell said. “We want to push to qualify and win our State Championship this year.” Whatever happens, Parcell is confident the future is bright for her athletes as some prepare for college dance team tryouts. “I am so proud of them,” Parcell said. “They are an amazing group of young ladies and athletes.” Next up for the pom squad is the AIA State Qualifier on February 6. If they qualify, the girls will head to the state championship in early March. AHS Varsity Pom takes first place; earns a spot at nationals (from left) Sydney Guest-Nelson, Rheana Stangler, Ava Farias, Coach Ashley Parcell, Libby Collins, Madisyn Hostler, Stella Morganstern and Elana Naftolin. (back row) Ava Farias, Madisyn Hostler, Stella Morganstern, Alyssa Blanks, Campbell Clark, Libby Collins and Sophia Alba. (front row) Allie Logan, Jules Johns, Sydney Guest-Nelson, Kyle Kinkel, Elana Naftolin and Rheana Stangler. Serving the Arcadia area since 1958          Find us on Facebook! Member Since 1959      •  •    •   •    •          4855 E Thomas Rd, Phoenix AZ 85018 | www.ingleside.com HOSPITAL 602-840-3446 | GROOMING 602-952-1754 Grooming OPEN Tues - Sat To ensure the safety of our clients & staff, we are performing curbside assistance. GET TREATMENT FOR YOUR PET’S ALLERGIES We have advanced diagnostic skills to relieve pet allergies and skin problems. BRIAN A. SERBIN, DVM • KATHERINE HEWITT, DVM MOLLY R. KLEIN, DVM • KARISSA SCIACCA, DVM FREE VIRTUAL QUOTE NOW AVAILABLE! Save More with Generac Power your home and save money with PWRcell, Generac’s revolutionary solar + battery storage system. Full installation services available. FREE VIRTUAL QUOTE NOW AVAILABLE! REQUEST A FREE, NO OBLIGATION QUOTE TODAY! (844) 313-6692 $0 MONEY DOWN FINANCING AVAILABLE* *Financing off ered by an authorized Generac partner

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