I came into cheerleading completely unsure of what I was really doing. I was young and unsure of a lot of things at that time. I had been to a few clinics and thought I was super cool because I could do a cartwheel with one hand. I had never seen anyone do any other tumbling and I didn’t even know a human could do those things.

I did know one thing though... I knew coming in that I wanted you as my coach. I saw the girls on varsity and knew I had to get there. I pushed myself past the goals I had originally set and didn’t know what else to do. You helped me and showed me what I could strive to be. You pushed me when I was struggling to learn new skills and just wanted to give up. You encouraged me when I (quite literally) kept falling down. You looked at me and told me that I could do it. You believed in me when I didn’t have the energy to believe in myself. You watched me grow over the years and still pushed me further.

I can’t help but think that I wouldn’t be who I am today if it weren’t for this sport and the way you supported me.

Thank you for pushing harder and harder each day and each year because you saw the potential that I couldn’t see. You knew what I had inside and found a way to get it out. You never gave up on me. I have you to thank for the drive for success I have today. You taught me to stay humble even in the most exciting and thrilling moments. You gave me the opportunity to live through those amazing moments! Those agonizing practices were worth every second even though it didn’t feel like it then. They not only taught me to be a better cheerleader but a better person. You taught me that the struggle is worth it and to trust the process. You taught me to never give up on my dream.

I look back now and realize that I want nothing more than to be half the coach to someone that you were to me. Thank you for all that you have done for me and so many others. I cherish the time I had with you on that team.

Love always,

A Former Sequoit Cheerleader