From Cheerleader to Coach: The Ups and Downs

I remember the feeling of being brand new. Actually, this was a frequent feeling being that I moved a lot. I started all star cheerleading around the third grade; third grade sounds early, and maybe it is, but many start cheer at an even younger age. Cheerleading‚ especially all star cheerleading‚ can be tough to grasp for younger cheerleaders at first. From the outside looking in, it looks fun and they may make it look super easy, but as we all know, it’s hard work! The best part of being on a team is having teammates. Everyone has their fair share of good and bad days, but whether good or bad, you have teammates there reassuring you that you can make it through anything. For those who don’t feel a connection with their teammates, I believe “there’s a home for everyone’: one team may not be a great fit, but there is a team for every cheerleader. The most important thing for me, as team member and a coach, is that I am in a place and position where I feel comfortable. In addition to having teammates for support, you have coaches and parents who become like family. The second best thing about being on a team is performing! There is no other feeling better than the one you feel after you hit a routine with your team! I would say the only thing that compares to that is being a coach watching your team perform. For myself, I would say out of all my accomplishments, I have felt the most proud watching my cheer babies perform, because I taught them. It’s one thing to be able to learn and do, but to be able to teach others is what truly motivates me and keeps my love for the sport growing. Coaching is great, but rough days are something we all experience. One of the toughest things for me as a coach has been adjusting to the difference in ages between my cheerleaders. My younger girls have a harder time paying attention; this results in them not learning as fast or not remembering all the time. My solution to this problem is repetition‚ just keep on practicing! Like with a lot of things, the more you do something, the easier or more comfortable you get with it. Another thing that can be a hassle is that as the coach you are the mediator. There can be conflict between teammates, parents, other coaches, etc.; the list can go on. As a coach, being able to solve or mediate these issues is important, so that the team can focus on learning. So, should YOU become a cheerleader or a cheerleading coach? Whether it’s recreational, middle school, high school, all-star, college, or professional cheerleading, we all are cheerleaders. I like to think even the coaches and parents are cheerleaders as well because they put in just as much effort. Cheerleading is truly a group bonding and strengthening sport that has made a positive difference in so many lives. Most coaches have a background/experience in cheering and that is why they became coaches, to pass on their love for the sport. I will end by saying cheer, coach, and support because it’s all worth it.