Competitive Cheer

by Ainsley S.

Ever since Taylor G. was 7, she has been in competitive cheerleading. She was never really interested in cheer before that and she thought she was going to hate it. Taylor says, "Once I came out of my tryout, my mom knew I loved it because of the huge smile on my face. "

Five years later, she is still going to practice 2 times a week for 2-3 hours each day. Her competitions go through December - May, including about 7-8 competitions. Her family is pretty dedicated to her competitions. For example, if her dad can't go, then he watches it on a live stream so he can still support her. Once she gets to her competition, Taylor gets more and more nerves. They warm up for 17 minutes, and then there is no turning back.

Taylor has lived in Redlands her whole life. She went to a school called Valley Prep from Pre-K to 6th grade. At Valley Prep there was no cheer squad or anything like that. Now, at Redland Christian Middle School she is excited to get back at school and start cheer. Taylor G. says excitedly, "I would love for my mom to be the cheer coach at RCMS, but even if she is not, I hope there is more tumbling and stunts than dancing."

Taylor loves cheerleading so much that she tries to do it everyday even when she doesn't have practice. She stretches every day at home except for the days she has practice. Having an Air Track mat and a trampoline helps with that because she can tumble on those compared to grass. Even on the days Taylor does not want to stretch, she still pushes through it or does a workout.

Due to COVID-19 Taylor G. had to switch to Zoom/online cheer practice . Recently she got to go back! "We have to wear a face shield or mask whenever we are tumbling or stunting." Taylor says.

Taylor has a passion for cheerleading even though she didn't want to do it at first. Cheer is a big part of Taylor's life because it helped her get through hard times .