So, I’ve been hearing from some cheerleaders who wanted to vent about not making the squad and get some advice. I should let you all in on a little secret: I didn’t make the squad my first try either! That’s right, I’ve been in your cheer shoes and it’s definitely no fun!

My first high school football game, I knew I wanted nothing more than to be a cheerleader. (OK, so it was actually my second goal after getting into the College of William and Mary.) When I heard about winter season tryouts, I promptly quit swim team—chlorine was bad for my hair anyway—and started practicing my jumps. Apparently I needed a little more practice though because my tryout was pretty lackluster. I walked in without so much as a peep and proceeded to do a softball cheer—you know, the booty shaking kind you do in the dugout. After that, I did a toe touch that I still question whether or not was actually airborne. There may or may not have been a thigh stand involved, too. That Monday when the teams were posted, my name was not on the list. But I did get to watch all the other girls who made the squad, my best friend included, prance around with special flower pins (the telltale signs they were now cheerleaders.) Part of me wanted to rip the pins off and stomp on them. But the sensible side of me knew that I would be one of them eventually, and that I should be happy for my future teammates. (There I am a little later with the other Bishop Ireton HS captains.) I kept at it and here I am, many years of cheering later and working for AC.

Remember that a big part of being a cheerleader is trying again and keeping a positive attitude when things get rough. If you believe that you have what it takes, that’s the best motivation there is. Don't give up! If your tryout went poorly, the only thing you can do is get better, right? The coach will likely look favorably on your perseverance and improvement. If you mess up, keep smiling and pick up where you can. Whatever you do, don’t let your face show that you messed up; confidence speaks volumes. Even if you still don’t make the team you will be proud of yourself for being so dedicated, and that’s the mark of a true cheerleader.

xoxo,

Becca

rdolan@americancheerleader.com