Not Just Winners - But World Champions
By Tracy Rolling

SoCal Elite Outlaws cheerleading team placed seventh when they attended the Cheerleading World Championship in Florida. Photo courtesy of the Sharamitaro Family

Four competitive cheerleaders from Ramona have something substantial to cheer about.

Stephanie Brown, Tori Brown, Rachel McGhee, Cara Sharamitaro, Tara Hickman and Dakota Saunders are all part of the SoCal Elite Outlaws, a competitive cheer team from Poway.

The team took seventh place when they attended the Cheerleading World Championship in Florida. They competed against 38 of the best of the best cheerleading teams in the world, and were proud to rank seventh, says Diane Brown (Stephanie and Tori's mom).

"The experience was incredible and I get chills just thinking about it," Brown shares. She adds that the team was accompanied by parents and chaperones and that they visited places like Walt Disney World and other points of interest while in Florida.

When asked what motivates her daughters to dedicate their time and energy to competitive cheer Browns says, "They love to fly."

The team's routine included "flyers" being tossed into the air where they perform elaborate flips and twists before being caught by their teammates.

Head coaches Jennifer Kwappenberg and Christy Dart are former members of the Ramona High School cheer squad and co-owners and founders of SoCal Elite. The duo brings extensive dance and choreographer expertise to the 35 member co-ed squad called the Outlaws.

The Outlaws are comprised of boys and girls ranging from 9 to 18 years of age with kids and teenagers coming from areas like Del Mar and Alpine and just about every city in-between.

In addition to coaching competitive cheer, Kwappenberg and Dart teach hip hop, tumbling and help local high school cheer teams create sophisticated routines. They offer group, private and semi-private lessons and teach students of all levels.

This is SoCal Elite's third season and its mission is: "not just about cheerleading and dancing, but about creating an experience your child will never forget."

For more information on SoCal Elite, please visit www.socaleliteallstars.com.