Cheerleaders get a lot of crap in today’s world. We’re constantly belittled for what we do from people who have never stepped foot on a mat or in a gym. But the years I devoted to cheerleading are some of the best years of my life because I learned so many valuable lessons that I have been able to take with me out into the world.
Defying Stereotypes
Oh, the stereotypes associated with cheerleading. I’d list them all, but we don’t have that kind of time so here’s a few: tall, blonde, rich, popular, dumb, skinny…But I’m gonna let you in on a little secret. I have never come across a cheerleader that fits this criteria. In fact, through my years of being a cheerleader knowing these stereotypes has made me and the people I’ve cheered with want to prove them wrong and be better at what we do. Sometimes the schools you're cheering for or the gyms you’re competing with can have certain stereotypes behind them. Which can be both frustrating and self-inspiring. Stereotypes can often fuel the fire behind your dedication and create intense perseverance for you and your team.
Be in Shape, Not Just Skinny
Contrary to popular belief, all cheerleaders are not a size zero and have a hourglass figure with long legs. Honestly, that’s physically impossible. But I do know that we emphasize being in shape. So regardless of what size you are, when you get to practice, you will warm-up, workout and condition aside from running your routines (which are intense workout in themselves). Often times, we even get a better workout than the teams we’re cheering for. Cheerleading does not emphasize being smaller or support skipping meals to fit into a uniform. Uniforms come in all shapes and sizes just as people do, and if you are willing to do the work and stay committed, you deserve a spot on this team just as anyone else does.
Teamwork and Leadership
It’s literally in the name: cheerleader. We’re basically born with the ability to lead crowds and get people motivated. But we’re also really good at working with other people. We spend hours on end with each other practicing stunts and putting together routines. Whether you’re a flyer, a backspot or base you learn the value of having these girls by your side and know you can count on the to catch you when you fall (literally).
Absolute Dedication
Once you commit to a team, it’s hard to join another one. You spend hours on end with each other to the point where you become a family. The post-competition celebrations are valued just as much as the tears. You fall down together and help each other get back up. Like I mentioned before, you commit to staying in shape, practicing in and out of the gym and upholding or defying the reputation of your school and/or gym. Not only are you dedicated to your team, but you make a promise to yourself to be the best person you can be.
Happiness and Confidence
Happiness is basically a requirement in cheerleading. Whether it’s putting a smile on your face before you step on that mat or amping up the crowd during a school game, you know how to leave your problems at the door and put a brave face on. Which plays into the way you develop confidence through cheerleading. When you compete and perform, you have to believe you are the absolute best team there is and put on a show like you’ve never done before. Someone once told me that there’s always a little girl or boy in the crowd looking up to you, so if you do anything at all, perform for them. And if that doesn’t give you the confidence you need then I don’t know what will.
Almost a decade of my life was dedicated to cheerleading. Cheerleading taught me to compete with class and to strive every day to be better than I was yesterday. And I wouldn’t trade the bruises, the glitter or the memories for anything else in the world.
