BY KAYLA GATES
Sophomore Noa Pogany is defying expectations by excelling as a member of the CCHS varsity cheerleading team. Her notable accomplishments speak volumes on the scope of both her ability and enthusiasm for the sport.
Pogany’s passion for cheerleading developed at a young age. She began the sport in hopes of acquiring a new hobby. However, she failed to predict how influential cheerleading would become later within her life.
“I started cheer when I was only six years old,” Pogany said. “I took a class at a local community center, which piqued my interest.”
From there, Pogany’s passion only flourished. Increased practice time allowed her to expand upon her skills and observe significant improvement. Pogany began building her experience by joining and competing for various cheerleading organizations.
“I have cheered at several gyms over the years,” Pogany said. “This includes Cheer Escape, Gold Coast, Broward Elite and Top Gun.”
“I started cheer when I was only six years old.”
Sophomore Noa Pogany
Competition has allowed Pogany to receive tangible recognition for her talents. Pogany has observed significant success over the course of her career. One of her most impressive feats was her victory at The Summit, a national cheerleading tournament, where her team placed first.
Pogany’s most recent accomplishment includes her varsity cheerleading status at CCHS. Pogany spent the fall of her freshman year as a member of the junior varsity cheer team. However, Pogany obtained a major promotion this school year.
After trying out once again this summer, Pogany was accepted onto the varsity cheer team. This came as a major development for the underclassman. Traditionally, spots on the varsity team are reserved for juniors and seniors. Freshmen and sophomores are given the opportunity to learn and develop on the junior varsity team. This season, Pogany became the exception.
With her new position, Pogany spent her Friday nights representing the school on the sidelines at CCHS varsity football games. Her contrasting age has earned her the title “Little Miss Varsity” by her teammates, all of which are upperclassmen.
“It feels really special to have made varsity as a sophomore,” Pogany said.
With the fall season coming to a close, Pogany has begun preparing for upcoming cheer competitions with the remainder of the team. The CCHS junior varsity and varsity cheer teams will compete against high schools across Broward County. Having placed at last year’s district meet, the team plans to match their success this season. Pogany hopes to return to the state competition once again, this time as a varsity athlete.
Pogany’s cheerleading passion is an evident aspect of her personality. Her teammates, as well as her classmates, recognize a growing commitment to the sport. Pogany’s peers commend her for the powerful dedication she possesses for cheerleading, and her ability to balance it with both her position as treasurer for the class of 2022 and the workload from her advanced classes.
“Noa is an absolutely talented individual.”
Sophomore Kiara Ryan
“Noa is an absolutely talented individual,” sophomore Kiara Ryan said. “By some marvel, she manages to balance her demanding cheer schedule for both the school and competition with her rigorous course load.”
As for the future, Pogany plans to follow her current path. She aims to promote her passion for cheerleading through increased competition. Pogany hopes that her experience will ultimately allow her to further pursue the sport after high school.
“In the future, I plan to continue cheering competitively,” Pogany said. “I hope to eventually cheer in college as well.”
With years of experience and achievements under her belt, the future appears bright for the young athlete. Pogany’s natural talent for the sport has allowed her to observe notable success throughout her career. But for Pogany, the cheerleading world has so much more to offer her.
Photo by Makinzi Burgs
