Being chosen to play on a varsity sport is often reserved for upperclassmen, but exceptions can be made when freshmen or sophomores excel in their athletic ability. In some cases, even middle schoolers may display the prowess needed to compete at a varsity level. Such was the case for Lucia Palleschi and Milania Rodriguez, the first eighth graders to ever be promoted to the varsity kickline team.
Both dancers started their careers at a young age. “I got into dance when I was five, and I loved it from there,” Palleschi shared. Rodriguez experienced a similar beginning: “I was four years old when I found my love for dance, and I always looked up to my big sister Mia.” Now, both dance competitively at a private studio and practice six to seven days a week, solidifying and refining their skills over the years.
As the difficulty and rigor for regional competitions increases, varsity kickline coaches Danielle Goodwin and Stacy Benson decided that offering the option for middle schoolers to try out in May could benefit the team. “Over the last 10 years or so, it has become more common in other area schools to have eighth graders on their varsity squads,” Goodwin explained. Rodriguez’ and Palleschi’s spring tryouts secured their spots on the team. “We saw their tryout and felt confident in our decision to bring them up, knowing they could handle the challenge, not only because of their skill level but also their dedication and ability to perform in front of judges and large audiences,” Goodwin continued.
While Palleschi and Rodriguez clearly bring their talent to the team, coaches and captains alike admire the girls for their dedication and hard work. Senior and captain Adriana Ciociano commended Palleschi and Rodriguez on their drive: “With their determination and positive attitudes, they are always willing to learn and improve, which motivates the older members to do the same.” Although the team has only had two performances so far this season, Palleschi and Rodriguez’ work ethic has already started a ripple effect. “They are eager to prove themselves, and their determination often pushes the whole team to perform at a higher level,” Goodwin agreed.
Having such young dancers on the team presents both advantages and challenges. “I feel very honored to be the youngest on the team, but I also have to push myself even harder because I am with girls older than me,” Rodriguez explained. Ciociano recognizes the benefits of having the eighth graders on varsity: “One of the biggest advantages is that they bring fresh energy and a different perspective to the team. They are eager to learn, and having them start young means they’ll develop skills that will make them even stronger in the future.” However, the age gap can present challenges. “Most girls on the team have completed two or more years of kickline, learning the pom and kick technique we use in all of our routines. It could be tricky picking up all this new information fast, but I know Milania and Lucia will work hard and will definitely succeed in learning new skills and techniques,” Ciociano continued.
Despite potential challenges, Palleschi and Rodriguez are surrounded by supportive coaches and teammates, including three freshmen who are in a similar position. “We also have incredibly talented ninth graders like Isabella D’Ambrosio, Taylor Dwyer, and Nicolette Raynor, who have consistently demonstrated that they have what it takes to be competitive at the varsity level, making our team even stronger and more dynamic,” Goodwin commented.
In addition to support from the team, Palleschi and Rodriguez have their own personal support systems. “My dance teachers and my family are my biggest sources of inspiration because they have helped me through my whole experience with dance and in life, too,” Palleschi shared. Rodriguez echoed similar sentiments: “My mom has supported me and pushed me along the way. Both of the team captains inspire me a lot as well.”
Although their time on varsity has just begun, Palleschi and Rodriguez are excited for the future. Palleschi is most excited “to experience everything with kickline and spend time with the girls too,” while Rodriguez cannot wait to “get to know people better and become more confident in herself while being on the field.”
When asked for advice on how to achieve the status that Palleschi and Rodriguez reached, Goodwin advised to keep on practicing: “Milania and Lucia got where they are because they put in the work, stayed disciplined, and kept improving even when it was difficult.”
Ciociano, who will have graduated by the time Palleschi and Rodriguez enter LHS, is still excited to observe their growth from afar. “Watching them grow from rookies into leaders themselves is something I’ll be looking forward to, and I can’t wait to see them improve throughout their next few years on the team,” Ciociano shared.
