By: Paige Mokma
3/6/2024
Being a cheerleader is not just about cheering on the sidelines and looking glamorous. It’s a physically demanding sport that requires immense strength, flexibility, and endurance. Cheerleaders spend countless hours practicing complex routines, perfecting stunts, and sharpening their skills. They have to go through grueling workouts, intense conditioning, and repetitive drills to ensure their performances are flawless.
The hard reality of being a cheerleader goes beyond the physical challenges. Cheerleaders often face criticism and judgment from others who may need help understanding the dedication required for their sport. They are sometimes dismissed as simply “cheerleaders” without recognizing their athletic abilities. Hamilton Competitive Cheerleader Brandy Peck says “Most of the school see the cheerleaders on the sideline at football games and not doing competitive as their sport.” This can be disheartening and discouraging, but true cheerleaders rise above the negativity and continue to do what they love.
Injuries are also a harsh reality for cheerleaders. The risks involved in stunts and tumbling can lead to sprains, strains, and even more serious injuries. With Cheerleader Emma Vangelderen finishing up her Sophomore Competitive Cheerleading season she knows quite a bit about how injuries can affect the team. She says “When the team has injuries its hard on everyone. This season we had so many concussions and pulled muscles and when those things happen we need to make the hard decision to take people out of rounds and relearn counts.” With this being said cheerleaders must be mentally tough to bounce back from setbacks and find the strength to keep pushing forward.
Moreover, the pressure to perform flawlessly is something many overlook. Cheerleaders are expected to present complex routines with precision, synchronicity, and enthusiasm. They must maintain a positive attitude even in the face of nerves and adrenaline. Anastasia Ruggles states “It’s easy to put others down if you’ve been doing it for a long time, so you need to communicate how you’re feeling with the team.” The mental and emotional strain of constantly striving for perfection can be overwhelming, but cheerleaders have to learn to channel their energy and focus on delivering a performance that is to the best of their abilities.
Behind the scenes, cheerleaders often juggle rigorous training with academic responsibilities and other commitments. They sacrifice their time and energy to represent their school or team, attending practices, games, and competitions while still managing their personal lives. Sophomore cheerleader Kennedy VaNuil explains, “You work every single day for two hours or more at least just to hit everything when you compete.” With this being said maintaining this demanding balance requires discipline, time management, and a strong work ethic.
Despite these challenges, cheerleaders find joy in their sport. They share a unique bond with their teammates, forming a tight-knit community built on trust, support, and friendship. They create unforgettable memories, cheering on their team and igniting the crowd with their infectious spirit. Cheerleaders bring life and energy to the football games in the fall and their competitive season in the winter, inspiring both the athletes they support and the fans who cheer alongside them.
So, the next time you see cheerleaders on the sidelines, remember the hard reality they face. They are not just performers for their sport outside of the football season, but dedicated athletes who show the true spirit of teamwork, persistence, and toughness. Let’s cheer them on and appreciate the incredible efforts they put into their sport!