By Bethany Nguyen
Fountain Valley High School’s (FVHS) Pep Squad has recently secured a retired nine-year gymnast for the sideline and competitive cheer teams–and her name is Darleen.
After officially stepping down from her competitive gymnastics journey in June 2025, the nearly level nine gymnast chose to continue her love of performing and high-adrenaline activity through the school’s cheer and track teams.
“After a while, I kind of lost the love for [gymnastics],” Rodriguez said. “Once you’re in gymnastics, you can’t really do anything else outside of school, so I wanted to have the high school experience.”
Rodriguez has set herself apart from the first day of cheer tryouts. The nine years of gymnastics training prepared her for the flawless tumbling skills that now flow seamlessly into complex dance routines.
Rodriguez’s athletic journey did not end with gymnastics. This year, FVHS Pep Squad welcomed her with open arms and pompoms.
“After I quit gymnastics…I was going to do song, but I decided to do cheer because I also wanted to tumble,” Rodriguez said
Rodriguez is quickly climbing the ladder of FVHS Pep Squad, learning the ropes of the team sport through hours of outdoor practices, team bonding and stunting. The former gymnast’s transition to cheer has been remarkably smooth, despite the unfamiliarities of a new sport.
“It does feel a little bit different because, in gymnastics, you were an individual person, but now with cheer, you’re all together,” Rodriguez said.
For Rodriguez, gymnastics may have ended, but its lessons will stick with her long into her athletic future. Confidence, perseverance and the courage to try, no matter the challenge are reminders that she will take with her for the rest of her life.
“No matter what level you are, you always have to try. Even if some girls are better than you and they’re older than you, it doesn’t matter. You’re still doing gymnastics,” Rodriguez said.
