Growing cheer program now numbers 27 in its third year
Healdsburg High School’s cheer program continues to grow as it enters the 2026 season, expanding from 18 athletes during its inaugural season in 2023 to 27 athletes this year.
The Hounds spent the summer preparing for the upcoming competition season, working to develop a clean, polished routine while building the strength, timing and teamwork necessary to compete as a large team.
They played their debut half-time show Sept. 4, when the Healdsburg Greyhounds hosted the Hoopa Valley team at Rec Park for the season’s first home game. The game ended with Hoopa outscoring the Hounds 42-6, but it was still undecided at half time.
The girls showcased a portion of their competition routine, developed by head coach Chuy González, with assistant coaches Megan Grewer, Vanessa Rea and Jessica Espinoza.
Senior Mackenzie Grewer serves as team captain, with Alejandra Avenado and Fernanda Martínez as co-captains.
This Friday, Sept. 11, they will show off their annual Grey Pups Camp routine during halftime at Rec Park. Grey Pups Camp is a fundraiser held every year, this year on Sept. 9-10, and some camp participants take part in the halftime show.
The Hounds will continue to perform at Healdsburg football games throughout the fall, casing their routines during halftime and bringing their energy to the football field and stands.
“I’m extremely proud of where this program is heading,” González said. “Growing to a large team comes with its challenges, but these athletes have embraced them and continue to push each other every day.”
González said the team’s commitment throughout the summer made this group particularly exciting to coach.
“I’ve never had a team this hungry to be ready,” he said. “They are talented, they are dedicated and they want to make sure they are prepared when that first competition arrives. They have been putting in the work all summer, and they understand that every practice brings them one step closer to that moment on the mat. I’m excited to see what these athletes are going to do.”
