After months of not being to practice due to the recent conflict regarding teacher negotiations, Sole Steppers is preparing for their first competition of the year on March 24 at Joliet Junior College.

“It has been difficult (preparing) especially being the only coach but it has been a fun ride so far and I can’t wait to show what we have so far,” Sole Steppers captain Alondra Cordero said.

“This is the first competition that pretty much the steppers (will) have since we began it because we started late, we really didn’t have enough time to do the steps but we are ready,” Cordero said.

As the team prepares for events they also prepare for more opportunities and expectations.

“Definitely (there will be more expectations if we win), there will be more practices and possibly even go to nationals,” Cordero said.

The team is looking forward to the competition.

“They seem very excited since some of them have not done (a performance or) anything like that,” Cordero said.

Their meetings consist of learning steps but also preparing mentally.

“Teamwork and dedication (are the most important thing) without those two, nothing will get accomplished,” Cordero said. “If we all have the same attitude and the same mind as to what we want to do and achieve then everything will be smooth.”

Although it is Cordero’s fourth year in sole steppers it is still difficult for her.

“I learned that it takes a lot and I really appreciate the captains (when I was a freshman) because now I know that it is a lot of pressure,” Cordero said.