Athlete of the Month

Sport(s) Played: Cheer

Q1: Why did you choose the sport that you play?
Growing up, I was really scared to join a team sport because it gave me a lot of anxiety. When I was in elementary school, I would go to Madeira games and watch the cheerleaders the entire time. During basketball season, I would sometimes cheer with them on the court. I looked up to them so much, and eventually I decided to give it a try. Once I did, cheer quickly became my passion.

Q2: What is your favorite Madeira sports memory?
My favorite Madeira sports memory is winning the CHL cheer competition for the first time since 2013, and then winning Districts for the first time in Madeira cheer history. Getting the opportunity to compete at regionals this month and hopefully state next month has also been amazing. Being able to help lead the competition cheer team to these accomplishments has been an unforgettable experience.

Q3: How do you get motivated to practice every day?
I stay motivated because I’m surrounded by an amazing support system of coaches and friends. My coach Abby pushes me to be better than I was the day before, even outside of practices, games, and competitions. She truly cares beyond cheerleading and is always there to listen and support us. My teammates make practice a fun and safe environment and encourage me to show up and give my best effort.

Q4: Do you have any pre-game rituals or traditions?
Before games, I like to listen to music with my friends and take pictures together. On competition days, I wake up early to make sure I have everything I need and arrive early so I can go through the routine in my head and practice to calm my nerves.

Q5: Who’s your favorite athlete you look up to?
An athlete I look up to is Hayley Zahn. She was the first cheerleader I ever followed and encouraged me to try all-star cheer in 8th grade. She later competed on my all-time favorite cheer team in North Carolina, and I’ve always looked up to her and loved watching her compete.

Q6: What makes a great teammate?
A great teammate is someone who lifts you up while also pushing you to grow. They’re there for you during practice and outside of it, and they’re someone you can always count on.

Q7: What is on your pre-game playlist?
My pre-game playlist is kind of all over the place, but when I really need to get pumped up, I usually listen to old Katy Perry songs that everyone knows.

Q8: What is the funniest thing you’ve seen or had happen to you in a practice or game?
The funniest thing that’s happened to me was at cheer camp last summer when I flew in a stunt for the first time. I fell to the floor three times in a row and couldn’t stop laughing.

Q9: What are your plans after you graduate?
After I graduate, I plan to attend college somewhere in the South and study accounting.

Q10: What advice would you give an 8th-grade athlete as they move on to high school sports?
Don’t be afraid to try new things and talk to people in grades you haven’t talked to before. Sometimes your best friends are the ones you haven’t known forever.