Hannah Flanagan is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Gilbert Highland for AZpreps365.com

Cheerleading at Highland High School is more than just a sideline activity, it is a competitive sport that involves athleticism, dedication and collaboration.

Under head coach James Geiselhofer, Highland varsity cheer has set a standard many have noticed – and not just in Arizona.

“Highland cheer has become known everywhere,” senior Maddy Woods said. “Coach James really changed the aspect for Highland. ” 

Through their participation in numerous state and national championships, they have evolved into a highly competitive team.

While Highland has always had a solid program, Geiselhofer's profound knowledge in cheerleading has taken it to new heights.

His goal was to transform Highland into a more Universal Cheerleaders Association, also known as a UCA-focused program the last two years.

“UCA is really big for a school, I'm very UCA. I went to a very UCA school,” Geiselhofer said. “When I got in here, I was very much focused on turning this into more of a UCA program, more of a strict program.”

He understands the drive it takes to be successful being an all-star and college cheerleader. This drive pushes his team to embrace new challenges and enhance their skills

“He brought resources, but he also knew what it's like to be an athlete and he knew the college level,” said Woods. 

Geiselhofer’s coaching style has influenced the team’s mindset this season, especially after a challenging performance in Florida last year. They've brought in a stronger determination this year. 

“Everyone on this mat this year wants to win it, and that drive is the best drive it can be,” Woods said. 

This season, they are more focused than ever on making a statement at nationals.

“This year we are super focused on the clean hit,” Geiselhofer said, “... really focused on doing whatever we need to do to keep everything in the air but still keep pushing those difficulty standards.” 

Before they perform the girls have a saying, “do it for me and I'll do it for you.”

To make that happen, they spend a majority of their days together building a family-like bond. 

“You fight on the mat for the person next to you,” senior Emersyn Brinegar said. “You don't do this for yourself, you do it for the person next to you because they want it just as much as you do.” 

Even before the team is assembled, everyone who tries out knows what is at stake and what is expected. All potential cheerleaders have to fill out a 25-page tryout packet to even try out for the team.

Geiselhofer sets the bar high with expectations every girl will follow it.

“It's a three-day process, 25-page tryout packet, there's an interview portion of it so by the time you're done with tryouts you become very well aware of what you're getting into” Geiselhofer said.  

Scholastic cheerleading goes far beyond the sidelines; it’s an intensive and highly demanding sport.

Geiselhofer emphasizes the dedication and countless hours his athletes put into perfecting their skill, and he wants the full scope of their commitment to be recognized.

He appreciates his school’s athletic director for recognizing cheerleading as equal to every other sport.

“Until you have someone in a leadership position who's willing to not just be like ‘oh, okay we support you’ instead say, ‘no, let me go with you and see what you actually need,’ then it's not going to progress,” Geiselhofer said.