Sandoval's cheer squad takes second in Orlando

Fallbrook High School junior Janeva Sandoval spends part of her spare time with the California All-Stars cheer squad. Sandoval was part of the Small Senior Elite Level 5 team which took second place in a national competition April 26 in Orlando, Florida.

“I’m incredibly happy. I’m so proud of our team,” Sandoval said.

Sandoval was one of 20 members of the girls-only team which took the second-place award. She has been with California All-Stars for three years, making the transition from gymnastics to cheerleading on the recommendation of a friend at school. “I didn’t really want to do gymnastics in high school because it was just too many hours, so I changed to cheer,” Sandoval said.

Sandoval returned to gymnastics this year as a member of Fallbrook High School’s gymnastics team, although she is no longer involved in club gymnastics. “I missed it,” Sandoval said of returning to gymnastics. “I just want to get back in it for a little bit.”

Sandoval reached level 8 before leaving club gymnastics three years ago.

Sandoval lived in Escondido before moving to the Lilac area eight years ago. She attended Bonsall Elementary School and Sullivan Middle School after moving to Greater Fallbrook.

Although the competition in Orlando involved significant preparation efforts by the cheerleaders, Sandoval was pleased she made the trip. “It’s definitely a life-changing experience,” she said.

“You really get to know your team,” Sandoval said of the travel experience. “And it’s fun.”