Student Athlete of the Week – Sage Baricza

That is Sage Baricza front and center. The senior cheer captain for Palm Desert and a spirit enthusiast. 

"I've been cheerleading for 14 years and I got started in a sport that's a little bit different than high school cheer. I got started in all-star cheerleading when I was four years old," said Baricza. "My mom put me in it and it just kind of took off."

So, when Sage isn't cheering or at Palm Desert, what is she doing?

"Well, I cheer on another team as well. I am on South Coast Cheer Fearless. And it is an all-star team that is located in Irvine, California. I commute over 100 miles four times a week one way and we actually just won the world championships of cheerleading this year," said Baricza. 

Sage is one of the most decorated cheerleaders we've seen here in the desert, and PD cheer coach Jade Mason has been there every step of the way.

"Sage was one of the first athletes that I've ever coached. She came in as a five-year-old, I was coaching her tiny team," said Mason. "And I've gotten to see her grow and move through and her passion for the sport really carry her through life and teach her a lot of lessons." 

"She's a fire. She's always trying, she's always pushing to be the best that she can possibly be," said Mason. "And she's always pushing that for her team as well." 

How would you describe the Aztec pride?

"It's it just goes hard. I love being an Aztec. I love supporting my school and showing all the spirit. I love getting dressed up on spirit days. They're my favorite thing. And cheering at Aztec football is indescribable," said Baricza. 

"I'll miss her bright light. I'm going to miss her passion. I'm going miss her drive. She's been the passion behind this team for quite some time. Always reminding them that we're here because we want to be here. Because we absolutely love it," said Mason.