April 2010 Cheerleader of the Month: Brianna Reilly

Our April 2010 Cheerleader of the Month, Brianna Reilly, is a pint-sized powerhouse. We couldn’t be happier to have her gracing our cover and think you’ll be inspired by her story. After 12 years of cheer and a big win at UCA College Nationals in 2009, this Southern Connecticut State University cheerleader found herself dealing with a cheer crisis before the 2009-2010 season: Should she continue to cheer, or hang up her poms for good? After some serious soul-searching and a few weeks off from the sport she loves, she came to the conclusion that her cheer career couldn’t be over just yet.

Now, Brianna’s back with even more passion than before and ready to take the cheer world by storm. “The experience taught me to follow my heart and not let anyone else make that decision for me,” she says. “It changed the way I look at cheerleading, too, because now I know where I belong.”

Read on for some fun facts about this 20-year-old talent and check out the April 2010 issue for her full story!

AC: What’s your favorite part about cheerleading?

Brianna: Having an instant group of friends. At Southern, all of my friends at school are cheerleaders, and I love that. I like having that closeness with my teammates and coaches. I think it’s really important to a team’s success.

AC: What do your friends and family think about you cheering?

Brianna: My friends and family love it! My parents actually wanted me to cheer at Hofstra University with my sister, but I knew I wanted to do my own thing and be independent. Everyone loves that I went in my own direction.

AC: What do you like to do in your spare time?

Brianna: I like to relax with my friends and family. I love making food and eating a nice meal with my family. I love listening to music and just relaxing—especially when the weather’s nice!

AC: How do you feel about being a role model to our readers?

Brianna: I like to show young girls the right things to do in their lives. As a young girl, there was always one person I looked up to, and I like showing kids that they can look up to me now, too. I’ve taught at numerous cheer camps and I love working with the little girls because I know I’m having an impact in their lives.

AC: What’s the key to your cheer success so far?

Brianna: Definitely having a positive attitude. Even when I’m frustrated, I always try my hardest to smile and stay positive. I do this because if people see me trying to be positive, they might try it, too, and it will be a chain reaction.

In Her Own Words…

There’s nothing better than…a beautiful sunny day.

I’m inspired by…people who are extra-determined to fulfill their dreams.

I’m terrified…that someone will break my heart.

People would freak to know…that I sucked my thumb until I was 7!

I’m embarrassed to admit…my room is hardly ever clean.

If I weren’t a cheerleader, I’d probably be…a lacrosse player.

I adore the smell of…homemade cakes and cookies.

The smartest decision I ever made was…cheering. I can’t picture my life without it!

Everyone says I look like…a little mouse.

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