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03/31/2016 12:00 AMAfter capping her pom-pom career by contributing to some big-time victories, senior Sarah Harkins would like to do the same on the tennis court this spring. Sarah has been a member of East Haven’s pom-pom and girls’ tennis squads since her freshman year and was rewarded for her efforts by earning a captain’s role with each team. Sarah feels her experience as a captain during the pom-pom season was invaluable to prepare her for that position in the spring.
“I was shocked they picked me. I thought they’d pick someone else that was louder, but I took on that leadership ability and went with it. It was great to be a leader and have girls come up to me with questions about both pom-pom and school,” says Sarah. “Since my mom [Susan Harkins] is the assistant principal, when we’d have a delay, they’d contact me. I really liked being the person they could come to for anything. I definitely think it will help me a lot. Now, I’m not be afraid to speak out. I’m used to it.”
East Haven’s pom-pom team has achieved some notable feats with Sarah as one of its captains. First, the Yellowjackets claimed top honors at the New England Cheerleading Association (NECA) meet that took place at East Haven High School. After that, the Yellowjackets prevailed in a competition held at Fairfield Warde. Each of those victories are very important to Sarah.
“We came in first this year at the NECA, which was exciting because it was on our home floor in front of our friends and family who were cheering us on. That also happened to be my birthday, too, so it was the best day ever. It was our first year in the competition at Warde and we beat a team we’ve always wanted to in Shelton. That was a big win, which made it memorable,” Sarah says. “Being in my senior year and being a captain, it definitely makes it more special. We all had a goal in mind where we didn’t want to come below a certain spot. Being able to achieve that goal and beat a team was nice. Then coming in first in our home competition was even better.”
Sarah has done dancing since she was three years old and so she brought a vast knowledge of dance to East Haven’s pom-pom squad. That experience was viewed as a huge asset by Head Coach Megan Butler, who loved having Sarah on her team.
“Sarah is very hard working and had received the Leadership Award for the team this year. She is a great dancer and amazing captain. Sarah has such great sportsmanship no matter what the outcome is. She gave 100 percent and was positive about everything,” says Butler. “She has showed what a true leader is and I couldn’t be more proud of her. She has grown so much over the past two years I have been able to coach her.”
In addition to her love of dance, Sarah joined pom-poms for the competitive aspect of the sport. She was pleasantly surprised with the connection she developed with the boys’ ice hockey team throughout her four years.
“It definitely was an added bonus. I didn’t know the girls did anything with hockey, so it was a surprise, but an awesome surprise,” says Sarah. “We cheer on our players and we grow a strong relationship with them. We’re there for them. They’re here for us.”
In a few days, Sarah is set to embark on her final campaign with East Haven girls’ tennis. Although she played doubles when she was younger, Sarah has developed into more of a singles player and is excited to take the court.
“I like how it’s all on you. Dance is more of a team effort, but as a singles player, it’s just you and the opponent. There is nobody to blame. I like that pressure,” says Sarah. “It makes you think quick on your feet and it’s a new type of pressure, which is what drew me to the sport. Being on the court by yourself to some may be intimidating, but to me is calming.”
Sarah has worked with two head coaches in each of her sports and she feels thankful for everything they’ve taught her.
“I think these two sports have been a big part of my high school career. Going four years on both and being a captain for both has been an amazing experience,” says Sarah. “I’m grateful to have been through two coaches on pom and two coaches for tennis. Everyone was very supportive and I dealt with two different styles. I’m thankful for that opportunity.”