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03/09/2016 11:00 PMAfter growing up in East Haven and cheering throughout middle school, Chelsea DellaRocca made it a point to sign up for North Branford’s cheer squad after moving to town right before high school. Joining the Thunderbirds proved a great decision for Chelsea as it helped her make new friends and fit right in at her new school.
“Coming to a new town right before high school, I took the leap and put myself out there to go for the team. As a result, going into the first day of school, I saw some familiar faces and it wasn’t all strangers. It made me feel good and welcomed,” says Chelsea, who was recently named the Shoreline Conference’s Cheerleader of the Year. “It really gave me an opportunity to get close with people on the team. That was a good part of having a close team and going to different sporting events to cheer on other teams.”
As a result of her experience cheering in East Haven, Chelsea was able to quickly step into North Branford’s program and make an immediate impact.
“When I was on East Haven, it was for the middle school and I knew North Branford didn’t have [a middle school cheerleading team],” says Chelsea. “I knew that I had a little more experience cheering for a specific school rather than just the town. I had two years experience rather than coming in and having to start new.”
On Feb. 25, Chelsea was recognized as an All-Shoreline Conference cheerleader during halftime of the girls’ basketball tournament final. To go one better, she was also named the top cheerleader for the entire conference. Chelsea earned that distinction after submitting a video of her doing cheers, jumps, and tumbles that clearly impressed the judges.
“When I got the call, No. 1, I was very surprised and excited. It means a lot to be the best cheerleader in the whole Shoreline based on those requirements. It was such an exciting moment to walk out in the gym and be recognized,” says Chelsea. “It was very cool that they could see, pick, and choose who should be representing the Shoreline Conference.”
Having grown a lot through her time with the T-Birds, Chelsea was selected as one of their captains for this season. Chelsea feels honored to lead her fellow cheerleaders and has enjoyed every minute of the experience.
“I was very excited because the team votes for captain, so I felt the people that nominated me to be captain knew I had the qualities to be a leader for them. Being captain helped me be quick on my feet when solutions were necessary. That was really important for me before college to step up for other people,” says Chelsea. “Right before we’d go out for a game or competition, we give a pep talk to team. I’ve been leading it and tell them that it doesn’t matter how we do as long as we have smiles on our faces and are enjoying it. That’s what matters.”
T-Birds’ Head Coach Marisa Laudano describes Chelsea as the type of athlete who coaches dream to work with and lead their team.
“Hard-working, responsible, and organized are just a few words that can be used to describe her. There has never been anything that Chelsea couldn’t do, whether it be academically, for her team, her job, or in her personal life. She takes on all tasks with drive, determination, and a smile,” says Laudano. “I have seen her biggest improvement in her maturity. I feel that her positions on the team have taught her when to be fun and goofy and when to be serious. She is a leader on and off the mat in the way that she communications with others and the way she carries herself.”
Chelsea loves walking off the mat after competitions, saying she feels a sense of relief and also accomplishment for the routine that she and her teammates pulled off. Chelsea’s favorite competition is the state meet and the T-Birds just competed at the Class M State Championship last weekend.
“All teams go to it, so it’s my favorite,” says Chelsea. “It’s interesting and entertaining to see all the other teams and routines.”
After being named the Shoreline Conference’s top cheerleader, Chelsea has the confidence to give the sport a try in college as she narrows down her choices between Quinnipiac and Central Connecticut.
“I’m considering trying out for the team because it’s been such a big part of my life,” says Chelsea. “It will be a great experience to go and experience it at the collegiate level.”