Hononegah Cheer Announces 2026 Captains — And Crowns This Year’s Princess Hononegah
“Don’t only encourage and lead now, do it 10 years down the line.”
Hononegah Cheer lit up Instagram on Saturday with one of its most anticipated annual traditions: the unveiling of the 2026–2027 leadership team. The captain announcements came with all the energy and excellence you’d expect from Hononegah, the headline that rose above the rest was the crowning of this year’s Princess Hononegah — Maddison.
The Princess title is the program’s highest honor, reserved for a senior who embodies spirit, character, and the legacy of Hononegah pride. Maddison’s announcement carried a deeper resonance this year. Hononegah Cheer highlighted her heritage as a member of The Bad River Band of the Lake Superior Tribe of Chippewa Indians, noting that her motivation to become Princess Hononegah was rooted in representing her community with strength, passion, and authenticity.
Her accomplishments speak for themselves — standout performances with Wicked Cheer, recognition as “best teammate,” appearances at All Star Worlds, and honors from Camp Jeff. But it was her leadership outlook that sealed the moment. In her interview, Maddison shared a message that feels tailor‑made for the role:
“Don’t only encourage and lead now, do it 10 years down the line.”
Coach Liv @gvikes.cheer on Instagram, who selected Maddison, praised her perspective and presence, calling her leadership “commendable” and her spirit exactly what the program strives to elevate. Hononegah Cheer closed the announcement with a fitting celebration: “Way to go Maddison!”
But the royal reveal was only part of the yesterday’s news.
The program also introduced its 2026–2027 Varsity Captains, each announced with their own graphic and a résumé that reads like a highlight reel.
Hailee, the first captain named, brings academic firepower and competitive pedigree to the role. Hononegah Cheer credited her with a 4.737 weighted GPA, IHSA state qualifier status, a NIC‑10 conference championship, and involvement across multiple extracurriculars. Her leadership quote — “You can lead with any level voice, what you put into a program is what others get out of it.” — sets the tone for the season.
The final captain announcement introduced Hazel, another standout student‑athlete. Hononegah Cheer highlighted her 4.0 GPA, back‑to‑back NIC‑10 First Team honors, IHSA state qualification, conference championships, and two outstanding scholar‑athlete awards. She also recently earned her CNA, reflecting her passion for caregiving and service. Her message to younger athletes was simple and strong: she hopes to inspire girls to become confident cheerleaders and powerful competitors.
The captain graphics — shared by Hononegah Cheer on Instagram — showcased the athletes in bold purple‑and‑gold branding, stadium lights, and confident poses that match the program’s reputation for excellence.
But make no mistake: the biggest announcement of the week was the crowning of Princess Hononegah, Maddison, whose leadership, heritage, and heart will guide the program into a new season.
With a royal leader at the helm and captains built for academic, athletic, and personal excellence, Hononegah Cheer’s 2026–2027 campaign already feels like one worth watching.
Thank you to Hononegah Cheerleading for the information and for the graphics used in the story.
Congrats to the defending NIC 10 champions and the three named captains.
Harold Bone
Harold Bone
