By Karen Haave
A hardworking group of hometown cheerleaders is racking up some accolades and cheers of their own in area competitions.
Dynasty CheerAbilities, 17 teens determined to overcome myriad challenges, are taking home top honors in some prestigious contests, including Jamfest, a major cheerleading competition in Indianapolis that draws thousands of participants.
“Dynasty went home as Jamfest National Champs in the CheerAbilities division,” said Jody Chisholm, the team’s proud Co-Vice President.
“We will use a video of their performance to be considered for a bid to Cheerleading Worlds, in Orlando, Florida, in April.
Members of the team are: Molly Marchionda, Peotone; Bethany Gass, Green Garden; Jaden Gryga, Frankfort; Ashley East, Rylee Blackburn, Mady Kaminski, Kaylin Moehle, Hailey LeGrand, Chloe Hostert, all of New Lenox; Audrey Chisholm, Homer Glen; Amber Frangella, Hazel Crest: Laney Staszcuk, Oak Forest; Erin Beecher, Crete; Sophia Miller, Naperville; Maddie Weiler, Wheaton; Amber Desselle, Paxton; and Joy Niebergall, Crown Point, Indiana.
“The team practices two-to-three times a week for three hours each time,” Chisholm continued.
“We are an ICE All Star team and practice out of the Naperville gym.
“Our cheerleaders are challenged with a host of special needs from Autism, Cerebral Palsy and Down Syndrome to other physical, emotional, and cognitive issues,” she explained. “We focus on abilities, not on disabilities, and together they are an unstoppable team!
“We are very passionate about this program and super proud of our coach, who has many credentials in the special needs area. Kaylee Pellack is a board certified behavior analyst and has a master’s degree in special education. She grew up as a cheerleader, having participated at the earliest age through college and even went on to professional sports, as part of an impressive stunt team for the Indianapolis Colts. She is a professional choreographer and actively assists with safety compliance and rule making for the CheerAbilities division.
“But, the central reason for coaching a CheerAbilities team is her sister’s passion for cheerleading. Ashlee East is a super star on the team, and she has Cerebral Palsy.”
For Ashlee, the best part of CheerAbilities is showing everyone that just because she has a disability doesn’t mean she can’t do whatever she sets her heart to. Her parents, Tracy and Steve East, say, “she loves the friends she has made along the way, the buddies who she has bonded with but, most importantly, she gets a chance to show everyone she is an amazing cheerleader. Her favorite part of cheer is being a flyer and looking out into the audience and seeing everyone cheering them on.
“Ashlee has been Coach Kaylee’s biggest fan since Kaylee started cheering at the age of five,” they noted. “Sitting in the stands cheering her sister on, being part of Dynasty has brought their sister bonding even closer than what it was. Now Ashlee gets to cheer, and Kaylee gets to coach her older sister. Kaylee started the team to let her sister finally enjoy being on the mat at competitions just like she did. We wouldn’t change our cheer journey for anything .”
Similarly, Jody Chisholm said, “Coach Kaylee Pellack has given my daughter the opportunity to be a rock star athlete with the hardware, including a Gold Medal, to validate to herself and others that she’s got talent! Every family with a child with special needs is looking for that one thing their child can do and fit in. Our athletes not only fit in, but they stand out! Self worth and self confidence are strong attributes of each athlete in our program. Our coach doesn’t see disabilities, she sees potential and pushes everyone to be their best! And, as parents we celebrate the milestones of our children, and we have an incredible built-in support group.
“Competing while representing your country in an international competition raises the bar beyond anything you can imagine. When our athletes put on that USA uniform, there is an elevated sense of pride and a desire to do their absolute best! There is nothing more emotional than hearing our national anthem and seeing our flag raised in the background as our children stand on the podium receiving a Gold Medal for doing what they love for the country that affords them an opportunity to shine! These athletes were chosen to represent the USA, they are the best-of-the-best in the country, and there is an expectation that they will Wow the world! It gives me chills, it sets my heart on fire and, as my mom would say, ‘My buttons are bursting with pride!’ Dynasty CheerAbilities and this USA team are way more than just cheerleading.”
For parent Mark Miller, “Describing what it means being part of this team for Sophia and our family in just a few short sentences is very difficult, but it is nothing short of amazing.
“They are absolutely terrific, and you cannot truly grasp unless you see for yourself. Maybe one of these days I can clap and cheer like other parents, but I am usually struggling to hold back the tears. Mostly, what the team has meant for our family is ‘HOPE’.”
Tony Kaminski, meanwhile, said, “I have never been with so many wonderful and accepting parents within any of the sports my kids have been in. My emotional roller coaster ride with having a child with Autism is always so relaxed with this CheerAbilities family. I am comfortable and always feel accepted as a parent of a special needs child. It is a place where there is no need to hold back and talk about anything. They have made traveling and long days at Cheer competitions enjoyable and exciting. The coaches are definitely my favorite part, because not only did they accept Mady with open arms, but they challenge and push her to do her best every day. I love the energy and her determination at every event that her face shows as she performs. I can’t wait to see how far my daughter goes with this amazing team as a young woman and teammate.”
Colleen Beecher said having her daughter participate in cheer “has done more than any therapy. There is more motivation for her to learn. The opportunities she has had from this experience are amazing. Out of my kids, I never thought Erin would be the one with all these incredible accomplishments. I attribute most of them to our incredible coach. She sees each athlete’s abilities not disabilities.”
Nicole Hostert said that, “As a parent, being part of the team has given us something to help us celebrate our child’s accomplishments. We are very proud of all her hard work and seeing her compete on the same stage as all the other kids is truly magical. Her coach knows how to pull the best out of them and know they are capable of great things. It also gives us a chance to travel as a family. We never take vacations, because we always have so many things going on. Traveling makes us slow down and take those trips we have been neglecting. Really gives us a chance to make memories. ‘Cause after all, those are the most important in your child’s life. Great memories of times spent together, and the team helps us accomplish that goal.’
Cheerabilities athlete Chloe Hostert said that the “team has meant a lot to me. It has helped me make more friends. Competing has made me feel proud of myself. Another thing I like to do is travel, seeing new places and things. Cheer and the whole experience is really fun.”
Molly Marchionda of Peotone is new to the USA Cheer Team this year.
“She is super excited to cheer with her best friend, Bethany, in Magical Disney World,” said her mom, Peggy, “and have the opportunity to make new friends with this amazing group of girls!”
Athlete Bethany Gass said, “Being a cheerleader is a dream come true! Coach Kaylee makes my dream happen. I love my coach so much. She is sweet and helps me do my best! The best thing is I love to compete on stage with my friends! I hope I can do it forever!”
Mady Kaminski is enjoying her inaugural season with the team. “I like my first year with Blue Dynasty, because I have friends and feel comfortable here,” she said.
“I feel like I am part of a family because we are together so much. My coaches make me learn and push myself. Competitions are my favorite, because we get to meet so many new friends, and everyone makes me feel special and accepted. Can’t wait to be in Orlando to meet others from different countries and compete for a Gold medal.”
Audrey Chisholm feels extra patriotic representing the USA in the competitions.
“I love cheerleading,” she said. “My uncle is a veteran, and he told me about his service in the Navy. He was on a ship. He is proud of me for representing the USA. Last year I met cheerleaders from other countries like Korea, France, Brazil, and Canada. It was very exciting. I get so excited when it’s our turn to perform. The lights are bright, the music is loud, and everyone is screaming. It’s so much fun!”
CheerAbilities competed twice in 2023 and won 2 National Titles. They also were invited to perform as an exhibition team three times for the most prestigious of venues, including local, regional, and state final competitions: JamFest Nationals, Indianapolis, Indiana, First Place, National Champions; CSG Champion Spirit Group, Schaumburg, First Place, National Champions; ICA – Regional Competition in November, 2022, Lockport Township High School; Frost Cheerleading Invitational in January; and Illinois High School Association State Cheerleading Finals at Illinois State University in February.
“Our competition season is aggressive and requires travel,” Chisholm added.
“Upcoming competitions include NCA – National Cheer Association – Dallas, Texas, in February; GLCC Grand Nationals – Schaumburg, in March; ICU – International Cheer Union – Orlando, Florida, in April, where they will represent the USA; Cheerleading Worlds – Orlando, Florida, and Cheerleading Summit, also in Orlando, Florida, in April.”
Middle row: Hailey LeGrand – New Lenox, Chloe Hostert – New Lenox, Sophia Miller – Naperville, Maddie Weiler – Wheaton, Erin Beecher – Crete, and Joy Niebergall – Crown Point, Indiana;
Front row: Rylee Blackburn – New Lenox, Jaden Gryga – Frankfort, Ashlee East – New Lenox, Audrey Chisholm – Homer Glen, and Bethany Gass – Green Garden (Monee).
Two athletes were not pictured and will be added to the team USA Roster: Amber Dessell from Paxton, and Molly Marchionda – Peotone. Coaches are Kaylee Pellack from Manhattan and Asst. Coach Sheila O’Riordan – Homer Glen.