Anadelia Zayas is a natural leader.

“With cheer, there is a lot of trial and error, Delia is always willing to give a changed stunt, a new dance, a move in position her best effort and we certainly have had our fair share of challenges (Covid) this season!” Lake Region varsity cheerleading coach Janine Rocca-Chaine said. “Anadelia puts in hours of practice on her own time outside of team time, as well as working through changes within our comp routines to try and figure out ways to make things better and more effective.”

Coach Rocca-Chaine says Anadelia does well to lend a listening ear to her teammates.

“While being a supportive leader, she also understands the importance of keeping things positive and drama free,” the coach said. “With a large group this season, we have worked a lot on team building. Delia has been a big support to me in keeping things moving in a forward manner. She is a natural athlete so it’s no surprise that she thrives in cheer.”

Outside of her growth in the physical sport itself, Delia has shown improvement in her leadership mentality, being flexible in her thinking, accepting suggestions and communication.

“Covid has affected so much, cheer is no exception. There have been so many challenges, within this season, and I am so proud of how all of my girls have approached these obstacles. Delia has been an example of what a true cheerleader should look like on and off mat,” Coach Rocca-Chaine said.

In recognition of her strong work ethic, determination, commitment and good sportsmanship, Anadelia is this week’s Boosters and Hancock Lumber “Player of the Week.” Each week, a Lake Region athlete is recognized for his/her dedication (does more than what is asked), work ethic, coachability and academic good standing. Recipients receive a specially-designed t-shirt, sponsored by Hancock Lumber.

Spotlight on Anadelia Zayas

Name: Anadelia Zayas 

Hometown: Bridgton 

Year in School: Junior 

Parents: Charlene Davis, Edwin Zayas 

Sports you play: Cheer 

Why did you choose cheering? I chose cheerleading because I always liked to dance and do gymnastics as a kid so this was a place where I could embrace both of those.

What do you enjoy most about cheerleading?Getting to cheer on our fellow Lakers while also growing a tight bond with the team and becoming a big family. 

How has competing in sports changed you as a person? With us going to the regionals and state competition, it really taught me to persevere no matter if we have to change things last minute or have any bumps in the road to know that if we give it our all we can do it.

During this period of Covid-19, what has been the most difficult adjustment? The biggest difficulty during Covid-19 was losing players every other day if they didn’t feel good or have to quarantine from close contact. When we had practice but none of our team was there gave us a really big fall back.

What is one of your most memorable sports moments? All the smiles and laughs we shared going to the competition.

What is your most disappointing sports memory? Losing two out of three of the girls in my stunt group three days before competition. 

How has sports prepared you for your future? You really have to learn to trust people you might not know very well or just have never worked with.

Name a coach who has made a difference in your life? Definitely, Coach RC. I have never met a coach more loving and caring for their team. She puts her all into everything she does and knows how to stick up for herself and her girls. She has made the difference in making me a better person overall because even when I was at my breaking point and just wanted to give up, she always picked me up and made sure I didn’t give up.

What are your future goals? I want to go to college to work with young children either in elementary school or preschool.

Ten years from now, when you look back on your high school sports career, what do you think you will remember most? The bonds I made with so many great girls.