Before going back to school after winter break, I finally cleaned out my closet that my mom has been asking me to clean out for five years. After digging through shoes and clothes that no longer fit, I found old cheerleading bags, bows, and uniforms. Immediately I was brought back to my days of glitter, hairspray and facials.
1. I miss my teammates and cheer friends.
One of the best parts of cheerleading is the people you meet over the years. The people you competed and spent countless hours with at practices. The people you met at competitions or games. First they were strangers, and then they became your family.
2. I can totally still do that.
I haven’t completed a cheerleading routine in almost a year, but if you asked me to put on a uniform and do a two minute and 30-second routine I’d do it in a heartbeat. No questions asked, I would compete again.
3. I’ll never get to compete again.
Probably the hardest thing to fathom. After being a cheerleader for 14 years, I won’t ever put on a uniform again. I won’t get to compete with my best friends. I won’t get that adrenaline rush when the music turns on.
4. My (insert body part) hurts.
Whether it’s from an injury or just the impact the sport has on the body, almost every retired cheerleader has something to complain about. Aches and pains are a part of the sport. They are the battle wounds that have left a mark.
5. One day your kids will be a cheerleader.
Growing up I loved cheerleading. Not only was it a sport I loved, it was a building tool and made me who I am today. I learned to be a teammate, how to work with others, and confidence. I want my kids to learn that too. I will be that mom. The mom who knows all of her daughter’s or son’s routines and is the loudest person yelling when they take the mat.
6. You still follow the cheer world through Twitter or Instagram.
Half the people you follow on social media have something to do with cheerleading. You keep up with all of the competitions and what’s happening. You know when your favorite team gets a new uniform or hits a routine. You follow religiously through all the big competitions to feel like you’re still in the know.
7. Whenever cheerleading is on TV, you have to watch.
Whether it’s college or all-stars, or even Pop Warner, you have to watch. The best time of the year is when UCA nationals, NCA nationals and Worlds is on. Other people may not understand how you could still want to watch something you haven’t done in years, but there’s something still so exciting about seeing your favorite teams compete.
8. I miss cheerleading.
Practices were hard and demanding. Competition season could be stressful. And sometimes it felt like you missed a lot. Missing school dances or parties was normal because you had practice, competition, or you were just plain tired. But you wouldn’t trade it for the world.
