Monomoy Cheer Reaches New Heights With Cape And Islands Title, State Appearance

March 26, 2025

by Brad Joyal

HARWICH – For the past few years, the Monomoy cheer squad has felt overlooked around the Cape and Islands.

The perception of the Sharks changed this winter.

After claiming the program’s first Cape and Islands title Feb. 12 at Plymouth North High School, the team added a second-place finish at the South Regional Championships on March 2 at Framingham High School before adding a sixth-place finish in the Division 4 state meet March 9 at Worcester State.

“This is only our second time going to state,” said Robbin Kelley, Monomoy’s coach since 2016. “They did an amazing job because it’s extremely competitive once you get to state.”

Leading the team was Hannah Morgan, the squad’s lone senior who was named the team’s Most Valuable Player.

Although the program typically sees an influx of participants during the winter season due to girls playing field hockey and other fall sports, Morgan said she’s noticed the team’s growth since she arrived at Monomoy as an eighth-grader.

“It has definitely grown,” said Morgan, a Harwich resident. “I feel like when I started in eighth grade, people didn’t really think about us. But now I feel like we definitely have a bigger title for Monomoy cheer.”

With a core of eight sophomores, the Sharks approached this season with a renewed enthusiasm and dedication.

“What stands out the most about this team is every one is so hardworking and puts in the effort,” said Morgan. “This is the best Monomoy cheer has been since I started here.”

For Kelley, this year’s success has been the result of years of hard work and growth. The Sharks improved their scores throughout the competitions after tweaking their routine, producing some of the best results in program history.

Their accomplishments are especially impressive because the team had few opportunities to compete outside of its performances at the school’s basketball games prior to the league championship.

“We were scheduled to do two other [competitions], but they got snowed out this year,” Kelley said. “We plan on going to more competitions in the fall, because the more they are competing in a live audience the less nervous they get.”

While losing Morgan to graduation will be a key departure for the program, both the graduating senior and Kelley believe the program is ascending to new heights.

“The majority of the girls are sophomores and they’ve all been cheering since they were in eighth grade,” said Kelley. “Each year, they are improving their skills.”

The longtime Sharks coach said the team’s magical season wouldn’t have been possible without the support of Monomoy athletic director Karen Guillemette and athletic trainer Taylor Sliney.

“We want to thank Miss Guillemette — she got us a really nice coach bus to ride in to states,” said Kelley. “And Taylor has been really great helping the girls.”