Cheerleading is often misunderstood. It’s a lot more than just cheering on the sideline during football games, and it’s rarely given the respect it deserves. But anyone who’s ever done cheerleading knows that it is a hard, high-risk, and intense sport that requires physical training, mental toughness, and a crazy amount of teamwork and trust.
One of the main elements of competitive cheer is trust. Cheerleader Avah Geil states, “If you’re stunting with your teammates, you need to have a bond that is unbreakable and make sure that you trust them to not drop you and have your life in their hands.” Flyers are literally thrown into the air and caught. That level of risk takes trust, strength, and a deep connection between teammates. It’s not just about having the skill—you have to trust every single one of your teammates.
Cheer competitions are full of adrenaline and emotion. Avah exclaimed, “Cheer competitions are exciting, nerve-racking, and super fun. They bring you a lot closer to your team because you are there with just your team during those two minutes and thirty seconds—you have to give it your all. You’ve practiced your routine so many times, and now you need to show your team that you can do it.” In those two and a half minutes, athletes perform stunts, tumbling passes, jumps, and dance. All of these are synchronized to music and judged harshly on every little move you make. There’s no room for mistakes and no second chances.
Behind what people see, cheerleading is a unique mix of physical and mental skills. Avah said, “Physical and mental skills needed for cheer are super important. Physically, you need to be prepared for not knowing what could happen. Also, if you’re a tumbler, you need to be tight, and flipping takes a lot of physical strength. Mentally, you need to make sure that you are trusting yourself and counting your way through your routine.” This shows the dedication required to master tumbling, the endurance to push through injuries, and the mental focus to stay sharp under pressure.
Cheerleaders aren’t just athletes—they’re gymnasts, dancers, and performers all in one. They train relentlessly, push through pain, and execute routines that have power and poise. Behind every flawless performance is a team built on trust, grit, and heart. It’s time we stop underestimating cheerleaders and start recognizing them for what they truly are.
