by Ben Gaines
The Lady Panthers received devastating news form Coach Katie DiMaggio between the JV and Varsity basketball games at Tamarac. She announced it would be her last game as coach. The news stunned the squads. Several of the members turned in their uniforms over the next few days. Last year DiMaggio, mother of a member, took over when the previous coach, Terry Milliman resigned during the season.
This season it is another mother of a team member who the HFCS District went to. Marchell Leva, mother of the Squad’s Captain and two from JV, and an employee of the District was the logical choice. Leva had to complete the required Automatic External Defibrillator and CPR courses before she could officially take the reins, and they were completed prior to the next game. Leva has spent the last six years as a cheerleader’s mom, going to summer camps and competitions, seeing first hand how other coaches and instructors work and motivate their squads.
The Lady Panthers are cheering more during games, and this pleases the fans. The Squads seem to be enjoying themselves more and got their fellow students to join in with their Blue/White Cheer at the Schuylerville home game.
When asked how practice was going Team Captain Liz Leva replied, “We are practicing our Liberty and Cupie Stunts to do at games. The team is resilient, and we are just moving forward with what we enjoy doing.” Coach Marchell Leva added, “We all hope to see everyone at the next home game to help cheer on the boys against Greenwich on Friday.” Let the Lady Panther know you appreciate their hard work with applause after they motivate the fans at the next game you attend.
