I’ve been cheering for eight years now. My freshman year, I came into Central’s cheer program completely clueless and alone. However, I quickly found my footing and made many new friends, all of whom are my closest friends today.
Juggling school, cheer, softball, and my personal life was challenging. Then, in my junior year of high school, I decided not to come back to cheer. I thought softball was my path, where my heart was. I was wrong. I realized how much I missed cheer, not just the sport itself, but my teammates, coaches, and the program as a whole. I simply couldn’t live without it.
Central cheerleading has impacted my life in so many ways. I’ve learned the true meaning of teamwork. Even if you have a personal conflict with someone, as soon as you step on that mat, you have their back.
Cheer is more than just a sport. It’s a family, a community, and a way of life. It’s taught me so much about myself, about others, and about the social workings of the world.We have to rely on each other completely, both on and off the mat. I’ve learned how to work with people from all different backgrounds and personalities and how to put the team’s needs first. I’ve also discovered ways to motivate and inspire my teammates, creating a positive and supportive environment. While those other aspects are important, one of the greatest gifts I’ve received from cheer is a higher self esteem. I’ve learned to believe in myself and my abilities, even when things are tough.
Furthermore, cheerleading has taught me the importance of discipline. I’ve learned how to set goals, work hard, and never give up. And most importantly, cheer is just fun! I love watching the audience’s faces during our performances, amazed by our dances and tumbles.
As I mentioned earlier, I’ve met some of the most amazing people in my life through Central cheer. My teammates are my best friends, and my coaches are like second moms to me. I’m so grateful for the community that I’ve found through this sport. For example, one time, I was struggling with a particularly difficult tumble. I was feeling frustrated and discouraged, but my teammates kept encouraging me. They helped me break down the tumble into smaller steps, practicing with me over and over again. Eventually, I was able to master the tumble, and I was so proud of myself. I learned that I was capable of anything if I just set my mind to it and had a strong support system.
Cheerleading is more than just a sport to me. It is my passion, my happiness, and my way of life. I am so grateful for the impact that cheerleading has had on my life.
