The Conestoga Trendsetters have officially kicked off the 2026 season. Over the past few weeks, the team has adapted and overcome challenges through collaboration and teamwork.
Already having a few meets under their belt, the team is working hard to revise and improve speeches in any way they can.
Freshman Braxton G. quotes, “Right now my prepping is me going through ballots and getting feedback from coaches and implementing that into my speeches as much as possible.”
The team’s main obstacle is their numbers, as explained by head coach Jessica Schlichtemeier. Many of the students that show initial interest quit due to scheduling concerns before learning the flexibility the team offers.
“I would say the biggest challenge is people giving up before they’re fully in it and understand the level of commitment,” notes Schlichtemeier. “It’s only as time-consuming as you make it.”
Despite having a smaller group than other schools, the team works hard to compete with skill and determination. The Trendsetters are fearless when it comes to putting themselves out there and trying new things that will benefit the team as a whole.
“I would say our team’s greatest strengths would definitely be being small but mighty,” states sophomore Emma T. “We are not the biggest school by any means, but we are almost all double, triple, or quadruple entered.”
On top of being competitive, the Trendsetters work hard to maintain a supportive environment. The team has become a family that cares for and wants what is best for one another.
“The environment on the team is very uplifting and accepting. We don’t discourage anyone, or have anything negative to say about each other,” voices Emma T. “I rarely find there to be drama about anything on the team, which definitely improves our relationship with each other.”
One way that teammates show their care for one another is through peer coaching. The Trendsetters are a very collaborative team. They have found that peer coaching can offer multitudes of feedback and advice.
“Instead of it just being the coach’s opinions, it is really also coming from people your own age,” notes Emma T, “which can become more relatable and easier to fix mistakes when you see it through their eyes as well.” Schlichtemeier added, “People will give each other feedback, and they just really work hard to make each other better.”
“One of the things I am looking forward to during this season is getting to spend time with the new members and deepen my friendships with the older members as well,” remarked Emma T.
