Making a varsity team is always a huge goal for athletes at Ames High School. But for Freshmen cheerleaders Chloe Zimmerman and Aluel Ater, making the varsity cheer squad isn’t just a far-off goal; it’s become a reality. 

“I was completely blown away when I read the varsity roster and saw my name,” says Chloe Zimmerman. “Making varsity was definitely a goal of mine, but I was not expecting it this soon.”

Zimmerman and Ater were the only two freshmen to make the winter varsity cheer squad during the 2025-2026 season, both taking positions as flyers on the “orange varsity” squad.  

“I felt a little nervous considering I was one of the only freshmen. But I quickly clicked with my team and felt welcomed,” says freshman Aluel Ater.   

Making Ames High varsity cheer is not an easy thing to accomplish. Sharpness in motions, stunting ability, attitude, tumbling, and determination to get that spot. With only 16 spots available on winter varsity, Zimmerman and Ater proved to be exactly what cheer coach Dana Logan was looking for. 

“[making varsity] makes me push myself because the expectations are much higher,” says Zimmerman. “[but] I have a team that believes in me, and pushes me to be better every day.” 

Aluel and Chloe not only have their squad to lift them up, but they also have eachother. Both Zimmerman and Ater made their way onto the same varsity squad, allowing them to support each other through their first season. 

“I couldn’t pick a better person to be on this team with,” says Chloe. “She[Aluel] uplifts me when I don’t believe in myself, and I strive to be like her.” 

With the support of eachother and their squad, Aluel and Chloe are growing their skills every day. Each has their own personal goals and works diligently with their stunt group to accomplish these. 

“[We are working on] advanced skills such as backhanspring-ups, full ups, and switch-ups.” Says Ater. “But not only am I working on skills physically and mentally, but I am also pushing myself to have a more open mindset when learning new skills.”

But even though making varsity is a huge accomplishment, it also comes with challenges. Pressure, anxiety, and stress are all contributing factors to making sports more difficult for athletes, especially when you are the youngest on the squad. Luckily for Ater and Zimmerman, they have a huge support system. 

“ I think I owe my team everything. They are my motivation…they truly make me better and have always believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself,” says Chloe. “Most of my pressure comes from within, and my team knows my limits and will never push me to try new skills [when I’m not ready].” 

Surrounding yourself with uplifting teammates is crucial, and Ater and Zimmerman take great inspiration from their squad. 

“ Being put on a team with such amazing people is so inspiring, and everyone is so supportive,” says Zimmerman.

Both Ater and Zimmerman have plans to continue cheering, and their journey with Ames High cheer is far from over. But this season was a turning point in their journey.

“I think making varsity so early opened up many doors for me,” Says Ater. “It helped me get closer to upperclassmen and gave me many opportunities for the future.” 

As Ater and Zimmerman wrap up their very first season on varsity, they recount feeling grateful for this season and hope to go on to even greater heights. They both hope to not only make fall varsity together, but also make it onto the mat for the Cheer/Dance state routine. They have ambitious goals, but together they will continue working and showing up for their squad. 

“I can’t wait to spend the rest of my cheer career with all of these amazing people,” Says Zimmerman. “I feel that I am not only growing as a cheerleader on this team, but as a person.”