Whether you are finishing up cheer-leading camp this summer or you haven’t put a uniform on in a few years, being a cheerleader is something you just can’t ever forget.

1. There is never a fair wait for the trainer.

We always have to let the “athletes” go first. Every cheerleader knows that is a bunch of crap. As a cheerleader, chances are you have witnessed some of the toughest injuries on some of the toughest girls.

2. Automatic fighting words are “cheerleading isn’t a sport.”

Cheer-leading is absolutely a sport and we all know it. You may think we cheer for the popularity, but hit a new stunt at a competition and you will know that it is so much more than that. You use every muscle in your body, while being responsible for protecting someone else’s body. Tumbling and stunting require a tremendous amount of athleticism, enough said.

3. You cannot avoid the “spanks wedgie”.

Although we are not supposed to pick our wedgies in public, we have formed a buddy system to be able to readjust the spandex. Whether it’s the closet fan that you are semi-comfortable with, or a teammate having the same struggles, you just find someone to hide behind for .2 seconds to pick the wedgie after a performance.

4. Spirit fingers aren’t actually a thing.

However, Bring It On will always be a classic.

5. There are glitter and bobby pins in places you didn't even know existed.

Yes, not many sports require getting dolled up for. However, under all of the glitter and hairspray is a true athlete.

6. You won't find an athlete that is as flexible or fearless as a cheerleader.

Cheerleaders have no problem showing you that either. You will see stunts going up on the beach, in the pool, or sometimes even at a party to fix a broken light. The outfit doesn’t matter much either. We have even managed to throw stunts in our prom dress. & If the flyer isn’t asking the question “ are they going to catch me” then you know the whole audience is.

7. You most likely own 10 pairs of shoes that all look the same

Let’s face it, cheer shoes are never cute, never cheap, and we all had to buy a new pair every season. Now they are probably sitting in a basket somewhere, and your mom has probably complained about them at least 20 times.

8. We may be at every football & basketball game, but it is all about competition.

There is nothing like working months towards the most exciting three minutes of the season, which takes place on the competition mats. Games really are used for practice, but we do enjoy those Friday night lights with our teammates.

9. You will never forget how to spell certain words.

When you have to use those words in something other than a cheer, I am sure that you will spell them in your head just like you would during the cheer. And they say all cheerleaders are stupid.. WRONG!

10. Your teammates become just as close to you are your family.

Despite the cheer drama, long practices, and sore muscles your team is your family away from home. No matter where in the world you go after high-school and college, you will miss that 3-minute adrenaline rush. You will miss the long bus rides to competitions. Lastly, you will miss the friends and teammates that turned into family.