This year, the varsity competitive cheerleading team has two freshmen and one eighth grader. Typically, varsity teams are reserved for upperclassmen. For these cheerleaders, this demonstrates that commitment extends beyond practice.
These athletes feel honored to have been chosen for the varsity team as underclassmen. They worked hard during the offseason to improve their skills and secure a spot on the team.
“It’s an honor to know that I put in all the effort and was recognized,” freshman Savannah Dawkins said.
Competition cheer coach Kelly Parker explained that any sport, especially cheerleading, is challenging because it requires a skill set that not everyone meets at the same time.
“We look for athletes who have the necessary skill set needed for a varsity-level routine. Stunt skills are the most important for the competitive team, but mat presence, motion placement, and jumps are also factored into team decisions,” Parker said.
To be at a high level on any team, you have to work hard, not just in practice but also out of practice. During the offseason, all three underclassmen athletes worked hard to improve the skills they were struggling with.
Eighth-grade student RayLee Waltman, not knowing what the stunts would be, still worked on skills and recovery. Over the course of the offseason, Waltman worked to improve her skill set by focusing on agility and flexibility. Freshman Kaiden Jenkins said she worked on improving her back handspring up stunt and her persistence to be ready for tryouts.
“I worked on stretching over the offseason, and I improved on my round-off ups,” Waltman said.
Because the team consists mostly of upperclassmen, bonding was important to a cohesive and unified routine. That cohesiveness is what will help the team win.
“I fit into it by bringing a positive attitude, strong work ethic, and willingness to learn,” Dawkins said. “I understand that the seniors and juniors set the tone, so I focus on listening, showing respect, and giving 100% at every practice. I try to be someone the team can depend on.”
The underclassmen’s persistence and hard work impressed Parker. They continue to show growth and effort during practices.
“They are doing a great job working with others and have not been shy to encourage and help motivate their teammates. Even though they are the youngest on the team, they do not let that mean they can’t speak up,” Parker said.
