Cheerleading is way much more than just Friday night lights.
“I chose cheer because I really wanted to try something new,” Mariana Diaz-Nunez, junior, said. “My friend has spent so long trying to convince me to join. The positive thing about it is it certainly made a difference in my confidence, and becoming closer with so many people.
“The biggest conflict I’ve gone through this season was practicing pep rally dances and learning new football cheers. I balance school and cheer by doing school work when I get home, even though some days it may be complicated, Diaz-Nunez said. “The least favorite thing is the hot tight sleeves we have to wear under uniforms or being bunched up on the bleachers. My favorite thing is the sisterhood I gained from trying something new.
“My favorite day was the Mike Shot It media day where the photographer got a lot of cool shots of us,” Diaz-Nunez said.
“Me and my best friend Emily wanted to do something new for senior year, which is why I chose this activity,” Greenleigh Stewart, senior, said. “I would say the best outcome of this season was the friends I made and the confidence I gained. The biggest conflict we had this season was getting the pep rally dances correct; it was stressful, but we pulled through. I hate when we mess up cheers and get the consequences for it later; it’s my least favorite thing. My absolute favorite thing is pep rally day and our media day.”
Other cheerleaders agree.
“I’ve been in cheer since I was a little girl; I started because I wanted to build my confidence,” Jena Anderson, junior, said. “This team has affected me positively; I gained many friendships I never knew I needed. The hardest thing we went through this season I’d say is the pep rally practices.
“To keep up with school work and cheer, I try to do my homework during any free time I may have. My least favorite thing is how tight the sleeves are and when there is drama dividing the team. My absolute favorite memory I have with this team is performing our pep rally dance in front of everyone.”
