Casting for @circlezeroeight photographed & directed by @daniellelevitt who never disappoints when documenting subjects. Foreword Via Danielle Levitt: There is an unfortunate and common misconception that cheer is not a sport but something frivolous that doesn’t require athleticism. These girls chose cheer because they love to bring joy and energy to crowds while exacting complex choreographed moves that require strength. For @circlezeroeight magazine, I went to Northern California to photograph The Mustangs cheer squad. These young women are warriors, fierce, strong Athletes who practice tirelessly. They take great pride in their commitment to their team. @mark_aguilar_ny cast this team. As these Athletes are young women still in high school, I paid particular attention to ensuring that the parents were comfortable with the plan. It took over a month to secure a date. Conversations went back and forth and culminated in a 20-person zoom call where I explained the process and answered any questions. As it was off-season, Navato High School opened the gym and brought out uniforms to accommodate our requests. I was so impressed by these girls and by their work ethic. I hope they felt as inspired because I came home from that shoot buzzing. I’m honored to have been able to document them. Xx DL Thank you @circlezeroeight @elgarjohnson @garyarmstrong @_isaacanthony Special thank you to San Marin High School JV and Varsity Cheer Squads Makenzie Kems @august.janiak @emily_marvier @tati._thompson Brielle Donner @brittany.casper @kaysie_ruvalcaba Stephanie Gonzalez Olivia Hatch April Lomeli @ella.galli @scarlett.ikeda Talya Satkin @paige.grossi Ella Cameron Cheer Mom: @lisapeppersatkin Cheer Mom: Jamie Dickinson