MemphiSport November

VA R S I T Y S P I R I T

Go. Fight. Win.

Daly Memphis Elite Written by Preston McClellan

How did you get started cheerleading?

I started cheering for Bartlett youth sports when I was seven-years-old, and my mom was a cheer coach her whole life so it ran in the family. I cheered recreationally for about two years, then from there, started at Memphis Elite.

What are your goals for the future in cheerleading?

I want to cheer in college. It my ultimate goal I want to achieve in life.

Have you ever worked with Varsity cheerleading? If so, what was your position and how would you describe your experience?

I love the football games and the huge student section and how all of the students get involved.

I actually am a Varsity IT girl this year. It has just started but I love working with all the girls and meeting new people!

What’s the biggest difference between cheering for club and for an actual high school?

The competitiveness between the two is the most important according to how much time you spend with club compared to actual high school cheer. Club cheer is so much more important and how many hours and the dedication put into it.

Do you think cheerleading is a sport?

Explain why or why not.

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Yes, cheerleading is a sport. All the time the girls and boys put in cheer can clearly explain that. Also the activities and injuries that occur in cheerleading can also demonstrate to everyone how cheerleading can be a very dangerous sport.

Do you have any advice for young girls that want to become cheerleaders?

Go for it! Never give up or have doubt about something you want to do. It’s awesome, and you meet so many new friends!

What are your practices like? How long do they last? What type of tness do you do?

Practices are usually about two and a half hours. At the beginning of practice we go outside and run for a little bit to get warmed up, then condition for 30 minutes. Also, at the end of every practice we condition for 30 minutes as well.

What’s your favorite thing about cheerleading?

My favorite thing about cheerleading is meeting new friends and putting all my time into something like this. Cheerleading is challenging, and I love to challenge myself and to see what I can really do.

What’s your favorite event (football, basketball, etc.) to cheer at and why?

Football. I love the football games and the huge student section and how all of the students get involved. The football games are so much fun to cheer at and to be involved with your school activities and student body.

America Needs Cheerleaders Positive changes sought by cheerleaders nationwide Written by Preston McClellan From its beginnings in the 1880’s at Princeton University to the rst all-girl cheering squad in 1923 at the University of Minnesota, cheerleading has been an integral part of athletics. That’s why Varsity Cheerleading founded the American Needs Cheerleaders campaign to help promote positive contributions made by cheerleaders across the world.

Led by Varsity staff members, all of whom were former cheerleaders, the program seeks to help people understand that cheerleaders do more than root on their favorite teams — they also make a difference in community and people’s lives.

“We recognize that a cheerleader has a very powerful voice in her community,” Nicole Lauchaire, Vice President of Corporate Marketing and Communications for Varsity said. “Teams of cheerleaders have the power to create positive changes wherever they are, whether at games, community service functions, fundraisers or alumni events. We applaud the enthusiasm they bring to everything they do and know that the school experience would not be nearly as rich without cheerleaders.”

Varsity strongly believes that cheerleading is a positive, team-building activity that teaches and inspires generations of young people every day. Cheerleaders become active in activities outside of their teams and lead by example.

Promoting sportsmanship, raising money for charitable organizations such as the MakeA-Wish® foundation, and helping others are just some of the values taught by Varsity and its many cheerleaders across the world.

Founded in 1948, Varsity is an institution when it comes to all things cheerleading.

Varsity sponsors education camps, clinics, and competition as well as uniforms for many squads around the country. The company’s online video system provides access to cheerleading video of all kind which has become popular among fans and coaches alike. The company is based in Memphis and employs more than 5,000 workers nationally.

For more information about Varsity or the America Needs Cheerleaders program visit varsity.com.

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