Members of the fall 2023 Naselle cheerleading squad are, back row left to right, Kayli Wirkkala, Maggie Creech-Ware, Nicole Steenerson, Evelyn Normand and Audrina Muessig. Front row, left to right, Delaney Gray, Maddie Dielman, Kayla Jensen and Lily Holt.

NASELLE — It’s no longer newsworthy to announce that Naselle cheerleaders also play volleyball.

But the exertion and commitment is just the same.

Six of the nine girls on this year’s fall Comet cheer squad are on Coach Rebekah Wirkkala’s volleyball rosters.

And Kayli Wirkkala is captain of both.

She shrugs off the extra effort as if it were nothing.

“We all become like a family,” the senior smiled. “It’s fun to cheer for the boys and show our school spirit — and get everyone in the crowd going crazy!”

Coach Blair Gray was delighted to welcome back so many squad members returning with experience, as well as dedicated assistant coach Victoria Corona, a 2013 graduate with cheerleading in her blood.

“We will do all the same cheers, but add to it,” Gray said. “It’s been a wonderful season so far.”

Maggie Creech-Ware, also a senior, is co-captain. The third senior is Nicole Steenerson, another leader on the volleyball court.

Creech-Ware summed up why she does cheer. “The joy is seeing other people joining in with us, and the community showing its support for the football boys,” she said.

The challenge? “The biggest part is memorizing everything, the cheers and chants, that’s probably the most difficult part of it.”

Two juniors on the squad are Evelyn Normand and Audrina Muessig. Muessig has played volleyball and softball, but likes cheer for another reason.

“I have all that energy and I get to put it somewhere!” she laughed. “It’s more uplifting than what I have experienced. This is less competitive, and it is fun doing it.”

Four freshmen complete the squad, including the coach’s daughter, Delaney Gray, who has been around cheer for eons. All three others, Lily Holt, Kayla Jensen and Maddie Dielman, also play volleyball.

Coach Gray’s enthusiasm pervades her squad. She appreciates community feedback on their routines. “We have had tons of people say they look amazing,” she said. “The girls are having fun and showing school spirit. The energy is good this year!”