When people think of college cheerleading, they often picture cute uniforms, chants and smiling faces on the sidelines. But being on the cheer team is so much more than what most people see. It’s hard work, long hours, and a lot of physical and mental toughness that often goes unrecognized—especially since cheerleading isn’t officially considered a sport. Still, it challenges me in every way.
Practices alone can be intense. We meet from 6:45 to 9 p.m., often after already having a full day of classes, homework and other responsibilities. It can be exhausting, but the hardest part isn’t just the time commitment—it’s how mentally tough the sport is. When a stunt doesn’t hit after multiple tries, and people start getting hurt or frustrated, it takes a lot to keep pushing forward and stay focused as a team.
Game days are just as demanding. We show up two hours beforehand to go over routines, warm up and get mentally prepared. Sometimes I’ve had to go straight from class to the gym, change quickly and get in the zone. We stand for two hours cheering, and keeping the crowd's energy up even if we’re down by a few points. Our job is to keep the energy up for the team and the crowd—no matter what.
Then there’s all the extra behind-the-scenes work: waking up early on weekends to help with orientations or open houses, greeting new students, working cheer competitions, and doing fundraising for our team. It’s a big commitment that takes a lot of teamwork and dedication.
But there are also the moments that make it all worth it—like traveling to the MAAC Championships and, this year, getting to cheer at March Madness in both Ohio and North Carolina. Those trips were unforgettable. Getting to experience what goes on behind the scenes at such major events is something most people don’t get to see, and I feel incredibly lucky to have been part of it.
Cheer has given me so many amazing memories and experiences, but it’s also taught me resilience, time management, and how to support others even when things get tough. It’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it.