This year, the Skyline Pompon team has a new addition. For the first time since the team was established, they have recruited a male dancer: Markell Freeman (‘27). 

“I was excited [to join]! I tried out because it seemed fun and the process was going to open gyms to learn the dance and try things out,” says Freeman. “Some things like kicks and splits are hard to do.” Open gyms are practices that potential dancers attend to show their abilities, the coaches select the girls or boys they think would be the best additions to the team.

Freeman is the first male dancer at Skyline so far, but will not necessarily be the last. “There have been male team members on [other] Pom teams for many years, at both the high school and collegiate level,” says Halliburton. “Pom is a sport that welcomes and encourages everyone.”

The Pompon team, a group of dedicated dancers, have cheered Skyline teams on through many occasions. This school year, they have been at football and volleyball games, the pep rally, basketball games, and will be at countless other events and games in the coming year. 

Freeman is balancing Pompon membership with other athletic commitments. “I [also] run track. Track is different from Pom because all I do is run, but with Pom it’s more of dancing and learning routines,” says Freeman. During track, Markell runs the 100 and 200 meter dash. “I might try hurdles this year.” 

Anyone who has the determination to do Pompon should try out. Qualities like self improvement, and stepping up, and being leading by example are all traits dancers learn and develop on the Pompon team. “Just like with any other athletic team, athletic ability and being able to learn and perform the choreography is important. Just as important is a person’s attitude,” says Assistant Coach, Carrie Halliburton. “Pom is a spirit sport, so we also look for a person’s ability to inspire school spirit and be a collaborative team member.”