Our October 2009 Cheerleader of the Month is all about having fun in the sun! With a decade of cheer experience to her name, 19-year-old Christy McCarthy’s rocking out as one of California State University, Long Beach’s super-talented cheerleaders. With looks that rival “The Hills” Lauren Conrad and a level of enthusiasm that doesn’t quit, we can’t think of a person better-suited to be on our cover! Read on for more about our favorite California Girl, and then click here to watch the video from her photo shoot.

AC: What do you like most about being a college cheerleader?
CHRISTY: My favorite part is traveling to Florida to compete against the best of the best. I also enjoy being pushed to improve. In high school, my coaches never seemed to push us as a team to get better.

AC: What’s the hardest thing about being a cheerleader?
CHRISTY: Making sure you don’t injure your body while tumbling. I try to take care of myself and stretch a lot so I won’t do any long-term damage. Other than that, everything else just comes naturally from the drive you have to be a cheerleader.

AC: What are you most proud of?
CHRISTY: Moving away to college where I only knew my boyfriend. I was so shy around my squad at first. I’m proud of myself for making new friends, getting to know the college world and balancing friends, homework, studying and cheer!

AC: What are your top tumbling and stunting skills?
CHRISTY: I have a standing tuck, toe-back and handspring layout. As for stunts, I can do tuck and layout Baskets, Heel Stretch double-downs, Scorpions, Arabesques and Scales. I can top all of these, and I can base and back them as well. I’ve become very well-rounded since joining my college team.

AC: What do you like to do in your spare time?
CHRISTY: When I’m not working, I really enjoy just relaxing by my pool. I’ll take out a bunch of magazines and read them under the sun. I also really like driving up to the mountains and blasting my music—I feel so free, and I can sing as loud as I want to. The thing I do most often is hang out with my best friend, Amy. Even when we’re both bored and there’s nothing to do, we always say being bored together is better than being bored alone.

AC: How does it feel to be Cheerleader of the Month?
CHRISTY: I’m very proud and honored to be Cheerleader of the Month. I’ve been reading American Cheerleader since I was a kid. I’d always looked at the pictures and thought how cool the COMs were and how lucky they were to be in the magazine. I feel so fortunate to have this opportunity.

FILL IN THE BLANKS:

There’s nothing better than…taking my truck to the Pismo Dunes and camping out on the beach.

I totally admire…people who never give up on their dreams.

Before I go to bed at night…I have to drink a big glass of water, wash my face and check my ë-mail to make sure I’m updated on what’s going on.

I’m inspired by…the people who set goals for themselves and actually follow through and achieve them.

My favorite thing about myself is…I’m able to open up to anyone and be their friend right away.

My BFF, Amy, would describe me as…really goofy and outgoing. She’d say I’m not afraid to stand up for what I believe in and that I act like a total dork and have fun.

My best feature is…my eyes. I’ve always gotten compliments on the color.

If I weren’t a cheerleader, I’d be…a swimmer. I grew up swimming and cheering. In high school, I continued with cheer because it makes me so happy. Although I stopped competitively swimming, I still love to swim laps and pretend I’m a mermaid under water!

I get annoyed when…my brother uses all my nice shampoo and conditioner when he barely has any hair.

I’ve been in love…twice—I think. When I was with the person it felt like love, but I don’t think it was true love. It was more like puppy love, but I’m happy I had that.

My worst habit is…biting my nails.

I adore the smell of…campfires, barbeques and vanilla.

The best advice I ever got was… “Focus, Focus, Focus!” My dad told me that, and the words always pop into my head when I get off track.

Everyone says I look like…Lauren Conrad from “The Hills” or Hayden Panettiere from “Heroes.”

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