Having only one week left of my last season ever as a Royal Lion cheerleader sure helps put things into perspective. 

If you would have told me my freshman year at ILS that I would be a part of one of the most successful sports teams on campus, I would’ve said you’re mental. 

I joined the ILS Cheer team because of a leap of faith, not because I wanted to gain something out of it. I remember sitting on the bleachers at every pep rally and looking at the cheer team with wide eyes, thinking about how much fun that seemed to be. That’s why when try outs were announced for the following season, I decided to go for it. 

The tryouts lasted three days, consisting of two to learn material and one to actually try out in front of the panel of coaches. The next morning after tryouts, I found out that I made it on the team and there began the new me. 

A lot of people tend to say “It’s just a sport” (that’s another heated debate for a different time), but it’s not. I owe so much to cheerleading and this team. 

Throughout my three years cheering, I’ve grown so many ways I thought I couldn’t. I’ve learned about responsibility, attitude, work ethic, and family. 

Looking from afar it looks like any other team, but it’s not. We may argue and disagree, but we always defend each other and care for each other no matter what. Win or lose, when it comes down to it, we’re a family. 

Saying goodbye to this is going to be hard, but I know I’ll always be welcomed back with open arms. Even after graduation, I will always support this team with my eyes closed. 

If anyone ever asked me if I would change a thing, I wouldn’t. This group of individuals is exactly what they’re supposed to be: cheerleaders. Whether it’s for another team or each other, they aren’t afraid to be a support system for others. 

Once a Royal, always a Royal.