What do you think when you hear cheerleading? Many people have very strong opinions on cheer when they have never actually been a cheerleader. Cheer is something that takes a lot of dedication, hard work, and trust. We get told many times cheer is easy and not a sport and all we do is wave around pom poms and yell, but that is not how it actually is at all.

Cheerleading has taught me a lot of things: it has taught me I have to work hard even when I’m tired and it has taught me to try my best and never give up. Being a cheerleader is a privilege. It pushes you to keep your grades up so you do not get pulled. You gain muscles even if they are not noticeable. You have to work together to lift people in the air weather you are a back, base, flyer, or front. You need to know how to perform every position because you never know where you will be put for that stunt sequence.

You have to have good memory. You have to remember over 80 cheers and have them all down completely correct and even help teach others if they don’t know them. You have to face big crowds and put all of your effort into what you do. You have to remember many dances probably 30 or more and perform them also.

Even if you are sad or upset you have to face the crowd with a big smile on your face. You can’t let anyone know you are upset. You have to be happy and you have to show up for your squad. One person missing from your squad can make the whole game look off and when someone doesn’t show up you have to adapt. You have to be loud and bold with your voice and movements.

You have to follow more strict rules in school to keep up your cheerleader image. You are expected to be a leader and have good school spirit. You don’t want to talk bad about any of the sports in our school; it doesn’t matter if you cheer for that sport or not, you have to have a positive attitude and be encouraging.

Cheerleading gives you bonds and memories that will last forever. Many of my friends have come from cheer, and some of my favorite memories have come from cheer, also. You get so many opportunities that you don’t get from other sports like we went away for a week to Slippery Rock University for the UCA (Universal Cheerleaders Association) cheer camp and had such an amazing experience.

Cheerleading is so much more than waving pom poms and yelling.