Cheerleading may not be considered a sport or something that’s enjoyable , but cheerleading saved my life. Without cheerleading I would never be in the successful position in my life that I am currently in. Cheerleading taught me so many life lessons that would help me throughout not only my high school journey but in life. Some include building connections, inclusiveness, communication, integrity, capability to think on my feet and a sense of life.
I’m well aware that cheerleading may not sound exciting but when you build relationships and friendships who are willing to support you in everything you do, you wouldn’t want to be anywhere else but on that court pouring your heart out and making them proud. It made me work hard , it made me hungry for more success. Cheerleading gave me the opportunity of a lifetime. I knew when me and my cheer sisters won second place in the state cheer competition that this was meant for me. This shows how hard work pays off and how inclusive the sport can really be for people who don’t feel seen or heard.
Some fun facts about cheerleading is that the first known organized cheers and change that began what we know as cheerleading took place at Ivy League college sporting events in the 1860’s. The first known “cheer” in the US was shouted from the crowd at Princeton University in 1884. You see that? Students at a historical college actually are remembered not only for how great it is but for being the college where the first known cheer was shouted out at. This shows how generational this sport is and how you will be making history if you just try. Do you believe that?!
I’m aware that most people find it disgusting for male figures to play a “girls” sport , but that is so not true. Originally it was an all male sport. Even though you mostly see girls cheer , boys can and have been cheerleading since the beginning. This generation should not normalize it as that .So for all the males , you can be a cheerleader too. it’s not a one gender sport.
Cheerleading at first starts off as a sport, then it becomes a lifestyle. Even when you age out , you’re still a cheerleader at heart. Cheerleading is a life , you must give it your all and always strive to be on top. It teaches you so much , from having to be a team player, leadership , dedication , confidence and many other qualities.
Lastly we are cheerleaders , we don’t lift weights we lift people. We don’t get tackled but we get punched and kicked by our teammates . We don’t have an hour long game to prove ourselves , we have minutes. When we get hurt we can’t be taken out , we have to keep going.
Photo Credits: Pixabay on stockvault.net
Charielle Hayes- Christ the king- DMSF Class of 2028