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03/15/2018 12:00 AMJunior Lauren Scoopo has been a member of the pom-pom team at East Haven High School for the past three years, and she’s enjoyed every minute of the experience. Although Lauren did cheerleading growing up, she felt that her vast background as a competitive dancer would suit her best with the pom-pom squad.
“Since pom is more dance, I always enjoyed dancing more than cheer, so I felt it would be a better fit for me,” says Lauren. “Actually, my youth cheer coach was on the pom-pom team, so that sparked my interest.”
The East Haven pom-pom team supports the boys’ ice hockey squad by attending every one of its games and cheering on the Yellowjackets from the stands. In turn, the players on the hockey team often lend support to the pom-pom athletes by going to their competitions. Lauren says there is a great bond between the members of each team.
“We go to every game to cheer them on, and they come to our competitions and watch us perform,” Lauren says. “As pom girls, we make scrapbooks for them, buy each other Christmas gifts, and they give us flowers. We have a very strong relationship with each other.”
Lauren served as a captain for the Easties’ pom-pom team during the recent season. Assistant coach Nikki Butler says that Lauren performed well throughout the year, and she’s eager to see what Lauren can accomplish as a senior next winter.
“She has improved so much and always puts her best foot forward,” says Butler. “She’s shown [Head Coach Megan Butler] and I so much this past year. We can’t wait for next season with her.”
Lauren says that her overall dancing technique has greatly improved from working with her coaches at East Haven. She feels happy to have learned a number of different skills as a member of the Yellowjackets.
“My coaches are important to my journey. They’re so important to what we do,” Lauren says. “Pom is a different style from what I’m used to, and it has broadened my horizon. We dance with pom-poms, so it’s more jumps and different style turns. Plus, there are kick lines, and I’ve never done that before, so it was fun to learn.”
Lauren says she was surprised when she was named one of the Yellowjackets’ captains. With a new set of leadership responsibilities on her plate, Lauren started speaking up more at practices this year.
“Years before, I didn’t say much, but when I got this new role, I started speaking up and helping others to be more of a leader,” she says. “It’s nice being a captain, because I get to help others and be a role model for the team. I know proper placement for turns, jump, and kicks, so that I can help if someone else needs it. I can teach somebody something new to learn.”
Lauren also makes sure that everyone on her team is having fun. Lauren understands that it’s important to enjoy being an athlete, and she conveys that sentiment to her teammates.
“It’s important to have fun on the team. It’s not always about competing. It’s about being together as a family, working hard, and having a good time. I want everyone to enjoy what they’re doing,” says Lauren. “Before competitions, we like to meet at someone’s house to get ready together. We all do each other’s hair and makeup and then go to the bus. We sing songs, play games, and blast music, so we continue to have fun.”
When she graduates from high school, Lauren hopes to attend Quinnipiac University and compete for its dance team. In the meantime, she’s already looking forward to her senior season with the East Haven pom-pom squad.
“I’m very excited for next year. The freshmen coming in will have talent, and it’s more people to know and work together with. I think we’ll have a good season,” say Lauren. “I love this team’s environment. It was a good fit for me.”