Photo Courtesy of Chapman Cheer.
Mylie Dondero had just minutes before walking onto the stage at a dance competition when a notification appeared on her phone. It was a congratulations email from Chapman Cheer. She made the team, becoming one of the first four freshmen in program history to earn a spot.
For the first time in program history, Chapman Cheer opened tryouts to incoming freshmen, welcoming four first-years to the team and allowing them to be four-year members.
Previously, Chapman Cheer operated as a three-year program, allowing only sophomores and up to try out. After coach Jordan Robbins met with the athletics department, the program received approval to transition to a four-year program, opening the door for a new group of athletes.
For freshman Dondero, being part of the first group of freshmen is an opportunity she is forever grateful for, but she didn’t fully realize the weight of being a true first-year until she was at the first practice.
“I didn't really see it as a difference during the audition process. I saw it as a difference once I made it. I was like, 'Oh, wow, we're the first freshmen. That's pretty cool, we’ve made history.'” Dondero said.
The tryout process was different from what she was used to, just like other freshmen who had to set up a tripod instead of getting up close and personal with the judges. Freshmen auditioned virtually, submitting a dance, two cheers, and a kickline. The format allowed students to record as many times as they wanted. However, there is nothing like performing in real life and showing your passion and heart to the judges in real time. Dondero felt similarly, saying, “Performing through a screen made it harder to express (herself) fully.”
Joining a team with athletes from different years also brought a new sense of community. Dondero said the team has made an effort to bring everyone together through activities like big-little bonding events. Rather than feeling separated by year, she described the atmosphere as very welcoming.
“It's so fun. The girls are my best friends,” Dondero said.
The new head coach, Jordan Robbins, has also played a major role in creating that environment for the girls and has changed the program for the better. A 2024 Chapman graduate, Robbins spent two years on the cheer team and served as captain during her senior year. With a background in dance and experience as a 49ers dancer, she returned to Chapman as a coach just one year after graduating. This is now her second season leading the program.
Robbins said she is especially excited to see how the freshmen develop and build relationships with the team over the next four years.
“I'm really excited to see the freshmen grow and develop over four years versus three years,” Robbins said. “Already, as a freshman, having relationships with sophomores, juniors and seniors is going to be super beneficial for them.”
Having experienced dance and cheer as a student and now as a coach, Robbins has brought her own perspective to the program, embracing its NFL-style dance and the energy it brings. She thinks it's equally fun and important to include a pro team uniform and style.
Coach Robbins said approximately 70 to 80 athletes tried out this year, marking what she believes was the largest turnout in program history. The team also began cheering at select home basketball games last year, continuing to expand its presence at Chapman athletics events.
As one of the first four freshmen in the program, Dondero hopes to become someone younger athletes can eventually look up to. With the program now offering a four-year experience, she and the other freshmen have the chance to help shape what Chapman cheer looks like for years to come.