By Ken Chaisson
Hometown Weekly Staff
Rain or shine, victory or defeat, one constant remains on the sidelines of Turco Field every football game: the relentless energy and soaring spirit of the Walpole High School cheerleading squad.
Led by dedicated head coach Courtney Saulnier Doherty, this year’s roster boasts 30 talented athletes who serve as the heart and soul of Walpole’s game-day atmosphere. While high school spirit squads often split their duties across multiple sports, this tight-knit group focuses its passion on a single, unwavering mission: supporting the Walpole Timberwolves varsity football team through every down, quarter, and season stretch.
Their goal is to bring high energy and unconditional support every single week. Whether the Timberwolves are up by twenty points or trailing in the final seconds, these girls are on their feet, leading the crowd and keeping the school spirit alive. Win or lose, their commitment never wavers.
That commitment requires far more athleticism and preparation than the casual spectator might realize. Beyond learning dozens of traditional chants, the 30-member squad executes complex multi-level stunts, high-flying basket tosses, synchronized tumbling passes, and precise jump routines. Practice sessions are demanding, focusing heavily on strength, flexibility, safety, and precise timing. With thirty athletes moving in harmony, every movement must be synchronized to ensure both visual impact and athlete safety.
The bond formed through those long hours of practice is evident the moment the team steps onto the track. The dynamic group blends experienced upperclassmen leaders with energetic underclassmen, creating a family-like environment where accountability and encouragement go hand in hand.
The cheer team captains for 2026 are seniors Linda Kostecki, Alexa Daher and Mia Hayes.
The Walpole-Wachusett football game was a perfect example of what the cheer team brings to a game. Walpole was not leading for most of the game. Even though it was Get Out The Pink night and there was a large contingent of students attending, the public address announcer had to frequently encourage the students to ‘get loud’.
But no one ever has to remind the cheer team which always remains positive down to the very last play.
It was also youth football and cheer night with hundreds of younger athletes in attendance. Before the game even began the cheer team welcomed all of the youth cheerleaders into their tumbling area on the track behind the Walpole bench. They also organized the tunnel that was lined with hundreds of supporters who came to support the Timberwolves. The night was abuzz early on all because of the positive attitude of the cheer team.
Out of the thirty person roster, fifteen are selected for any competition. There’s also a JV team which participates in competitions. The competitions this season are in Billerica and Bellingham. Then the Bay State Conference championship is held at Framingham High School. The sectionals follow at Scituate.
Then come the states. The competitive cheer team made the state championship last November. This year, they hope to be back!
