Behind the Pom-Poms

Cheerleading is often one of the most high-energy and visible sports at any high school, but it’s also a sport with unique challenges and skills that go far beyond just rallying school spirit. The school cheer team members gave us insight into what it takes to excel in a sport that combines athleticism, teamwork, and creativity.

More Than Just Cheers

Many people think of cheerleading as chanting and waving pom-poms, but cheerleader Ava Turley, a junior (and part of pep honors), says that’s only a small part of what they do.

“Having a positive mindset and a positive attitude is important. When we have tough practices or competitions, there’s lots of encouraging words and cheering each other on because sometimes it does get hard. Hearing your teammate behind you really helps,” Ava said.

 Turley shows how having a positive mindset makes for a positive environment. She speaks about how much she enjoys her team.

“I get to be in a fun environment with my friends. The girls and I grow a close bond. We just have fun out there. Like, during our practices, we take it seriously, but when we go out and perform, I get to cheer with them, and we get to have fun.”

The Mental and Physical Challenges

Cheerleading may look easy from the sidelines, but in all reality, it’s very physically and mentally demanding.

Senior Haley Nelson, an 11-year cheerleader, explained the unique challenges cheerleaders often face.

“You practically have to be perfect to be a flyer. Then it’s also like if you can’t keep the flyer in the air, you’re also not strong enough. So then you also get called out for that.”

Haley also described the physical toll of the sport.

“People underestimate how hard it is lifting the girls and flipping them.”

She states that it takes a lot of work and can be frustrating when people acknowledge sports like gymnastics, but not cheerleading.

According to the National Center for Catastrophic Sports Injury Research (NCCSIR) at the University of North Carolina, a cheerleading stunt like a basket toss can launch a flyer as high as 20 feet into the air, and bases must coordinate strength and timing to catch her safely.

Flyers also need exceptional balance, flexibility, and body control to hold poses like heel stretches and scorpions mid-air.

“Gymnastics and cheer are almost similar, but not at the same time because they both tumble and you both use core strength,” Haley said.

Cheerleaders often practice tumbling passes such as back handsprings and tucks, which require a combination of agility, power, and fearlessness.

Handling the Misconceptions

Cheerleaders often face stereotypes that undermine the athleticism required for the sport, but junior, Arabella Jipping, says that people need to know the truth.

“I think some common misconceptions are that it’s not hard and we don’t work hard. But I think when people only see sideline cheer, they think that we’re just cheering on other sports. But cheer is a sport in itself, and we worked just as hard as other sports,” Arabella said.

Jipping emphasized that cheerleaders work hard as a team and individually.

“I think the hardest part, individually, is pushing yourself to learn new skills, because a lot of it is mental and group work. I think the hardest part is learning how your group works and how they do things so that you can, like, kind of accommodate them.”

The Demands Behind the Smiles

Cheerleading isn’t just about looking effortless—it requires rigorous preparation.

Many cheerleaders train 10–15 hours a week during their season, and injuries are common, especially in stunts. Research shows that cheerleading accounts for about 65% of all catastrophic sports injuries among high school female athletes. This includes concussions, fractures, and ligament tears from high-impact falls or missed catches (according to the NCCSIR).

From the physical demands and dedication to the unique camaraderie, cheerleading is a sport that challenges athletes in ways that many people may not recognize. The next time you watch our cheer team in action, remember the countless hours of training, the teamwork, and the determination behind every move. They aren’t just there to support the school—they’re athletes, competitors, and teammates in their own right.