Local Sports

Bears take over: Baldwin wins MIL cheerleading title

The Baldwin Bears won the 2026 Maui Interscholastic League cheerleading championship Oct. 27 at Baldwin High School with a score of 37.43.

Competing against Maui High, Lahainaluna, Kamehameha Maui, Kulanihakoi and King Kekaulike, the Bears posted the top score and earned their place at the 2026 Hawaii High School Cheerleading State Championships on Wednesday, Nov. 4, at Neal S. Blaisdell Arena on Oahu.

Maui High finished second and Lahainaluna was third. The top three teams from the MIL had an opportunity to compete at the state championships. Results were unavailable at press time.

Tumbling has been one of Baldwin’s strongest skills throughout the season, and the Bears were looking forward to showcasing their abilities at the state level against the top teams from across the islands.

First-year head coach Courtney Idemoto emphasized that individual strengths can contribute to the team’s success, but working together is what ultimately makes the difference. Prioritizing a clean, synchronized routine from beginning to end, the Bears have spent the season building a work ethic centered on accountability, preparation and focusing on what they can control.

"This MIL championship reinforced what we’re capable of when everyone commits to the same goal and works together," said Idemoto. "We want to walk onto that floor knowing we’ve given everything we have to prepare for that moment."

Idemoto said that confidence and trust among teammates helped propel Baldwin to the MIL championship this season. From sharp motions and precise timing to stunting technique and clean transitions, the team has worked to ensure every athlete can execute each skill with confidence and proper technique.

"Seeing them perform with that confidence, despite the time constraints, was probably the most rewarding part of the entire experience," said Idemoto.

Idemoto said the team had relatively little time to prepare for the MIL champinship, making it especially important to build confidence and get everyone on the same page.

"Our athletes really stepped up to that challenge, trusted their training, and showed that all the work they had put in could translate onto the competition floor," she said.

For senior Tayler Idemoto-Roloos, winning the MIL championship was a rewarding culmination of her dedication to the sport and her team. Having dreamed of becoming a Baldwin cheerleader since childhood, she said sharing the experience with her older sister as the team’s head coach made the championship even more meaningful.

"Winning the MIL tournament honestly felt amazing," said Idemoto-Roloos. "Being able to represent my school and win a championship one last time as a senior means so much to me. It’s not just a win for my team, but also a personal accomplishment because I got to fulfill something I’ve dreamed about since I was younger."

Senior backspot Sierra Farias was also looking forward to competing at the state championship alongside teammates making their first appearance at that level.

"This season has taught me that reaching our goals takes every single person doing their part," said Farias. "At states, I want to know that we all gave our best and can be proud of what we accomplished together."

Senior backspot Emma-Leigh Kanae-Grove is also closing out her high school career as an MIL champion.

"Winning MIL really showed me that the secret is just loving what you're doing while refusing to quit, even when you're completely wiped out," said Kanae-Grove.

Idemoto said Baldwin has a strong cheerleading tradition, and she saw the team’s potential early in the season.

"My biggest goal has been to continue building on the standard that Baldwin Cheer has established," said Idemoto. "I want to help develop not only strong athletes, but strong teammates and individuals. I try to lead by example, push our athletes to reach their full potential, and make sure they understand that the success of this program depends on the commitment and effort we all put in."

The Baldwin cheerleading team includes Peyton Simeon, Kairi Castro, Lahela Eleneki, Kaia Cernal Day, Kahiau Mercer, Madeline Losano, Nevaeh Cambra, Miana-lei Arenas and Kanae-Grove, Idemoto-Roloos and Farias.