Local teams start up first youth recreational STUNT league in Northern California

Four Placer County teams from the Sierra Athletic Conference, Woodcreek, Del Oro, Whitney and Lincoln, have come together to start a recreational STUNT league, the first in Northern California. The Sierra Athletic Conference is the same league that involves youth football teams in the fall that junior cheerleaders support. "It has been so exciting to see our junior STUNT season actually come to fruition," said Kim Watson, the Woodcreek Cheer vice-president. "Our programs help grow young athletes to play at the high school level when they reach that age." According to USA Cheer, STUNT is one of the fastest growing sports for females in the nation and the National Collegiate Athletic Association recently recognized it as an emerging sport for Division II. Thirty-seven high schools in the Sac-Joaquin Section that have STUNT cheer teams as of 2022 including Lincoln, Twelve Bridges, Oakmont, West Park, Woodcreek, Roseville, Del Oro, Whitney, Rocklin and Granite Bay. The process to get a youth recreational program for the Sierra Athletic Conference going included joining USA Cheer and establishing teams, coaches and athletes. After that, it was a matter of teaching the athletes 18 different routines. Teams and coaches also had to coordinate game schedules, secure facilities and schedule officials. "We have been talking for some time about getting a youth rec STUNT program going and this was the year we made it come true," Watson said. "It has been a lot of work but very exciting to see it come together and the game is really fun to play." The teams are currently 14U with ages ranging from 11 to 14 and there are hopes to add 11U teams next year to get younger athletes involved with the sport. There are up to 16 players on each team. While there are only four teams for the inaugural season, Watson expects that number to increase in coming years as other teams from the Sierra Athletic Conference have already expressed interest. The season began in March with each team playing each other three times and the championship game will be held on May 6 at Whitney High School. "It's really amazing to see what these young athletes can do and we are so proud of them," Watson said. "It has been exciting to watch them grow and master new skills each week. On a personal note, I am so thankful for the three other ladies, Lindy, Leah, and Donna, for taking this journey with me. It is going to be fun to see this program grow."