What really goes on in Skyline High School’s 2026 pompon team? The answer goes far beyond just knowing the dance moves and the level of fitness you need to demonstrate. 

Skyline’s 2026 pompom team will face stricter requirements and tougher competition this upcoming year, as the skill level of the team collectively has improved. The sport has introduced both a Varsity and Junior Varsity team, which opens up opportunities for new members to compete even without Varsity-level skills at Pom competitions.

For the winter season, team members must be more committed to their roles. There are two competitions and one showcase that the varsity team will travel to. Junior Varsity members have flexible schedules due to the team only competing in one competition. 

Members of both teams are welcome at any competition, which allows Junior Varsity members to gain further experience by watching varsity-level competitions. “For Junior Varsity members, some competitions end much earlier than varsity,” said Varsity Pom member Taylor Phillips (‘27). “They do have a lot more volunteer responsibilities… to help in other areas, like with the kids’ clinic and winterfest”

Fall 2025 members competed in the High Kick pom competition at South Lyon East, where they placed eighth. That team consisted of only their Varsity team and a sideline team, which does not compete or learn routines. “I got the opportunity to make connections with other teams by competing,” said Pom alumni member Claire Cronin (‘25). “Although I felt like I could condition and compete at higher levels because of my experience compared to the new members on the team.”

The practice schedules for both teams have remained relatively similar this season. Both teams practice every day with an optional practice on Thursday. “We get two hall passes per season where we can skip practice as long as it’s not the week of competition,” says Varsity Pom member, Alexandra Vincent (‘26). 

Junior Varsity has its competition in early January at Novi High School (which varsity also competes in), but Varsity has its Regional and State competition a month later. Regionals take place at South Lyon East High School, and states take place at Eastern Michigan University. 

The Skyline Post will cover the competition in January and February for both Junior Varsity and Varsity teams. “I am very nervous about our first competition being the first week of January,” says Junior Varsity pom member, Iris Klein (‘28), “but the coach has prepared me on how to perform under pressure.” 

Shriya Patel is a former member of the Varsity Pom team.