Every school has one: The crazy, louder than the rest of the crowd, foot-stomping, spirit-spreading, super fan. She infuses the atmosphere with a kind of electricity that fuels the team, leading them to a victory. And if the case calls for it, her screams of encouragement lift a losing team up, pushing them to rise to a challenge. It’s not hard to tell when you have a true sports fan in your midst.

And maybe that’s why 20-year-old Heather Records so easily stands out among her peers—she simply exudes a passion and love of the game. A confessed admirer of the Phillies (she was beyond psyched when they were in the World Series), this University of Delaware cheerleader also shares her excitement for the Philadelphia 76ers NBA team by dancing her way across the court on game nights. In the end, though, her one true love is—and always will be—cheer.

“I may not remember every single football game or basketball game, but I will remember the time spent with my team,” says Heather. “There’s nothing else like it.”

AC: Why did you start cheering?
Heather: My older sister started cheering, and of course, I wanted to be like her.

AC: What’s your favorite part of cheer?
Heather: I love to stunt! It feels great to work hard and hit new things with my group.

AC: What do your friends and family think about you cheering?
Heather: They’re so proud of me, and they love to watch and take pictures. It still scares my mom to death, but I know she’s proud, too.

AC: What’s the hardest thing about being a cheerleader?
Heather: I’d say the hardest thing about being a cheerleader is having people tell you it isn’t a sport.

AC: What are your toughest tumbling and stunting skills?
Heather: Round-off handspring, whip, handspring, full, and my toughest stunt is a full twisting Rewind.

AC: How do you maintain being a role model?
Heather: I love when little girls look up to me at games. I think it’s adorable, because that’s what I used to do when I was little. I try to always be positive and outgoing. Also, going out of your way to be friendly and warm to someone who looks up to you can give someone a memory that they’ll hold onto for a long time! I’m glad I have the opportunity to do that.

AC: What’s your secret to juggling a full-time college schedule as well as doing cheer?
Heather: To-do lists! I probably make three of them a day. Time-management is the key to getting everything done, and I love crossing stuff off when I’m finished.

AC: What other cheer programs do you admire?
Heather: UCF (University of Central Florida). They just have a swagger to them. Also,  Rockaware…That’s Slippery Rock University and University of Delaware put together!

AC: What’s it like being a part of the Delaware cheer team?
Heather: It’s amazing! We’re all so close, it’s like being in a frat/sorority. We all joke around and have a blast with each other, but when it comes to getting things done, it’s a piece of cake.
THE 5 BEST THINGS ABOUT BEING A COLLEGE STUDENT… according to Heather:
1.    The dining hall.
2.    Parties.
3.    College football.
4.    Going to class every morning, instead of work!
5.    I get to cheer!

For more on Heather, our Cheerleader of the Month, pick up the March/April issue of AC, on newsstands now!

Be Sociable, Share!

•