Competitive Cheer
Simpson Cheer Welcomes Multiple Athletes
REDDING, Calif -
Erica Gismegian, Simpson's Head Cheer Coach, brings in four newcomers and adds two returning SU students to the roster for the upcoming season.
Vivian Luera, a freshman from Tracy, CA, has been cheering since she was four years old. Luera graduated from Millenium High School and was even the Captain and Homecoming Queen at her high school. According to Luera, she looks forward to majoring in Liberal Studies with a minor in Digital Media once she gets to Simpson.
"Vivian is a phenomenal athlete, great dancer and strong stunter. We are blessed to have this powerhouse join our team," said Coach Gismegian.
Lillian Killgore is a Redding native who attended Enterprise High School. She cheered the past three years both on the sideline and during halftime performances. Killgore's dad attended Simpson so she plans to follow in his footsteps and study Psychology.
According to Coach Gismegian, "Lilly is a hard-working athlete and team player and we are overjoyed that she chose Simpson."
Valerie Negrete attended Bear Creek High School in Stockton, CA where she cheered all four years and was captain her junior year of high school. She is a flyer and tumbler.
Negrete competed and won UCA in the level 4 division last year in 2021 and earned 4th place at Summit in 2018.
"Valerie's flexibility, tumbling, flying ability, strong work ethic, and her training with the California All Stars will help bring our team to the next level," said Coach Gismegian.
Elisa Heidebrecht is from the small-town of Oakhurst, CA right by Yosemite National Park and currently attends Yosemite High School. Heidebrecht began gymnastics at age five and dance at six years old. She started competing for Yosemite Dance Company at age nine and won many first-place individual and team awards both in category and overall. She also joined the teaching staff at Yosemite Dance Company her sophomore year of high school.
"Elisa is a fierce competitor and I can't wait to integrate her dance background into our routine," said Coach Gismegian.
Along with the new athletes, Coach Gismegian is excited to add some returning Simpson students to the Cheer Team as well:
Nikki Caberto from Bellflower, CA will be a junior at Simpson this year and is ecstatic that we are adding a cheer program.
According to Caberto, "In high school, I was a cheerleader and a part of the St. John Bosco's Color Guard and Winter Guard where I learned how to dance as well as strengthen my teamwork and leadership skills."
Coach Gismegian said, "We are truly honored to have Nikki's leadership, mentorship, and guidance as we embark on our inaugural year."
Simpson Cheer also adds Eduardo Esquivel who will now be a two-sport athlete along with wrestling.
Hannah Sandoval, will be a sophomore this year, majoring in Clinical Psychology. She has previously cheered for seven years and was selected as an All-American cheerleader multiple years through her varsity career. Sandoval was also asked to become a UCA Varsity Staff member where she taught at multiple camps. She was also invited to travel to Rome and London as an All-American cheerleader.
"Hannah is a very accomplished cheerleader and I look forward to seeing her take her skills to the next level and lead the incoming freshmen," said Gismegian.
