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Licastri A Top-Notch Cheerleader

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By CLIFF GILL

Tribune correspondent

Published: February 8, 2009

NEW PORT RICHEY - In 2005, Marisa Licastri was already an accomplished gymnast. She had accumulated 63 medals, was a Level 7 national champion on the balance beam and captured second place at the national championships in the all-around gymnast category.

"I started at Suncoast Gymnastics when I was 8 years old," said Licastri, 17. "I liked being able to express myself through dance and tumbling. Gymnastics allows an athlete to jump higher, build strength and add flexibility."

As she entered Mitchell High School, the three- to four-hour daily commitment to practices and competitions each weekend took their toll.

"I wanted to find a sport that allowed me to utilize my abilities, but still allowed time for other interests," she said.

That sport was cheerleading.

"Marisa's flexibility, tumbling ability and her strength made her a natural," said Mitchell cheerleading coach Lynn Worker. "She was moved up to varsity as a freshman. Last year, she was our team's MVP."

Licastri's leadership helped lead Mitchell to a third-place finish at the Best of Pasco competition. The Mustangs have qualified for state competition for the second consecutive year.

"This season, our team has suffered some injuries," said Worker. "One of our girls injured her knee and couldn't perform a stunt in our routine. Marisa stepped up and became a flyer. Her dedication to our squad really makes her a team player."

Her teammates agree.

"Marisa is willing to try new things to help the team, such as become a flyer," Paige Stockton said. "Her enthusiasm and positive attitude lift the spirit of the entire team."

Licastri's enthusiasm carries over into the classroom.

"In addition to being an excellent student, Marisa has been a positive influence on others around her," said math teacher Jennifer Kaelin. "In my class, she not only has worked hard to improve herself, but also took the time to mentor others. Her positive attitude helped to create a productive learning environment and for that I am thankful."

With a 3.8 GPA, Licastri ranks near the top of her class. Her workload includes Advanced Placement in English, and classes in honors Algebra II, world history and chemistry.

"I have known Marisa for almost three years," said English teacher and yearbook instructor Sabrina Schmitz. "Since her freshman year, she has never stopped asking questions and inquiring about specific details. I recall her often bringing her papers or work to my desk before the due date to make sure she was completing the assignment correctly and to see if there were any suggestions for improvement."

Licastri is involved in her community. For the past two summers, she has volunteered to work with young children at her church's Vacation Bible School. "We played games, sang songs and made crafts," she said.

At Mitchell, she belongs to a club called Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

"We did a project called Kicks for Kenya, in which we collected approximately 400 pairs of sneakers," said Licastri. "It felt good to help people and it made me realize how blessed we are with the clothes and medical care that we take for granted."

She is also involved in Trinity Pal cheerleading, teaching girls as young as 3 years old.

"We coached the girls on cheer routines and did training on flexibility and strength," Licastri said.

"To me, Marisa has been the student whom I know I can count on to complete any task I set before her, but is also the student who makes class entertaining and interesting," Schmitz said. "She sings out loud to lighten the sometimes stressful yearbook workload and yet still manages to complete her spreads, often with time to spare."

Teachers, coaches: If you would like to nominate an outstanding student-athlete to be featured in an upcoming In The Community article, contact Cliff Gill at

reportercliffgill@yahoo.com or (727) 860-4903.

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