February
Hi, my name is Danielle and I am head over heels IN LOVE with Cheerleading! The 2012/2013 Season is my fourth as a cheerleader and a member of Lazer Cheer Academy. The programme is just like a huge family and I couldn't imagine my cheerleading career as part of any other gym.
Throughout the four seasons in which I have so far trained and competed, I have been so eager to progress. My hunger for success in cheerleading has landed me a spot on Lazer Allstars - the programme's Level 4 Co-ed team. I have found great inspiration in the athletes from the well known US teams (I want to go to Worlds so bad!).
This season I intend to work the hardest I have ever worked, to improve my tumbling skills and my jumps, not only for myself but for the benefit of the team and the routine as a whole. We have an extremely busy season ahead and are entering more competitions than ever, (only 14 weeks until BCA North East Classic eeeeek!) but I am so excited for everything to happen.
I definitely, much like yourselves I'm sure, have a hunger for cheerleading which I can't even begin to explain to non-cheerleaders. If someone would have told me four years ago that being a cheerleader would change the way I value friendships, work with others, push myself to succeed and believe in myself I would have said “What? Pom Poms? NO WAY!”. But its so much more than that and that is what I find so hard to explain to people. The passion I see in myself and my team to progress is amazing and that alone makes the aches, pains and injuries so worth it.
Every bruise, watery eye from being kicked in the face, headaches from flyers landing on me, all of that is forgotten when you go out with your family onto that big blue mat and just give everything you have to give.
I also coach Pom Dance and my little stars the Tiny Lazers! Coaching is extremely rewarding and nothing feels better than knowing you have helped someone to achieve something, all whilst doing something you absolutely love! Aside from the qualifications, I believe you learn your own coaching styles from those around you and I have learnt from the absolute best!
I hope every cheerleader has an amazing season and if you're reading this right now and have even the slightest urge to join a squad, all I can say is DO IT! It will change your life and you will forge some amazing friendships along the (sometimes bumpy) ride!