Acerra Shows Spirit and Leadership for Yellowjackets’ Cheerleading

East Haven cheerleading senior captain Taylor Acerra has performed some fabulous stunts on the floor in her high school career, yet the music and moves have been in her for an entire decade.

"I have been involved in dance for 10 years since," she says. "I got involved in it with my friend and then my mother signed me up. I have also been involved in talent cheerleading since middle school."

It was when Taylor became a Yellowjacket that she started racking up the awards and accolades almost annually, being given the Coaches' Award her junior year and getting nominated for the All-American Award the past three years.

The flier does not let the individual success go to her head as Taylor is all about the Yellowjackets' team for which she has had some big moments the past four seasons.

"Last year we had a good season. We finished in the top five in several competitions," she says. "We also came in first in our competition at last year's cheer camp. The biggest moment was our recent fourth-place finish at the SCC Championship. It was great because I was shocked we did so well due to the fact it was our first competition of the year and I wasn't sure if we were prepared."

Taylor's coach has seen not only her growth in talent, but also in her maturity and considers Taylor as one of her go-to girls.

"I have been coaching Taylor since she was a freshman and there are only positive things to say," Coach Michelle Maru said. "I have watched her grow not only as a cheerleader, but also into an adult. Taylor is a two-year captain, which she definitely deserved. She is an inspiration and a leader to the rest of the girls and is a captain any girl on the team can go to and rely on, including myself as a coach. Taylor always wants the best for herself and for every girl on the team. Since her freshman year she has improved 100 percent for the better and has become the best cheerleader and leader she can be. Taylor has been a huge factor into bringing the team to their current level of play. It is wonderful being able to coach a cheerleader like her."

Taylor keeps herself well-rounded on and off the mat as she is a part of SADD and ROPES at East Haven. The senior also has her eyes set on college and continuing her cheerleading career, while aspiring to major in law or business and has already applied to Central Connecticut and Sacred Heart University.

For her success, Taylor credits her coaches, teammates, and of course, the person who signed the papers to get her into the sport: her mother.

"My teammates and coaches have been great," she says. "We really push and motivate each other throughout the season. My mother, even though she gets nervous watching me because I am a flier, is always there to encourage and motivate me."

Even with the current success the squad has had this season, Taylor is not stopping here. Instead, she is constantly driving forward with both personal and team goals.

"Personally, I want to get better at my tumbling skills," Taylor says. "For the team, I want us to place high at our next competition, which is the NECAs [New England Cheerleading Association Open] at East Haven."