As a successful football season this fall is wrapped up, accompanying cheerleaders receive a break as well. For decades, cheerleading has been associated with moments of great anxiety as the spirit of many institutions rides on the shoulders of those carrying pom-poms on the sidelines. At ILS, this is indeed prevalent. Additionally, while football players on the field get to release their feelings, good or bad, through honest displays of emotion, cheerleaders are expected to maintain a positive, energetic, and enthusiastic demeanor no matter the score.
Senior Isabella Brand: “We [as a team] try our best to be there for each other and support in order for all of us to be doing our best in and out of practice.”
It seems as though their strength is found through unity and mutual respect as well. This is girlhood. While cheerleading has been recognized as a sport since 1999, it has always endured its fair share of detractors. ILS undoubtedly loves its cheerleaders, but global perception can still be taxing. In this day and age, mental health is just as important as physical health.
Senior Megan Dominguez: “I did experience those moments where cheer was taking a toll on my mental health, but overall those experiences only led to me become stronger and really learning to love the sport.”
In addition to global perception, like any other ILS student-athlete, mental health is at risk when so much time and energy goes into practice. On top of their studies and workouts, the cheer team has to maintain a healthy diet in order to perform at their highest level. On the topic of meal plans Megan Dominguez and Michelle Rodriguez share mutual opinions:
“Cheer has definitely made me change my meal plan just because I know that when I have practice I do have to eat a little bit more than I usually do so that I have the energy to be 100% at practice.”
“Having cheer 3+ days a week can be a lot on your body so eating a good amount and the right foods helps you have the energy you need to not only keep going but not feel too stuffed or drained.”
Whether they are practicing tumbling before classes start or strength training well into a school day evening, cheerleaders give their all. Is all the effort really worth it? Megan Dominguez affirms:
“Just like any other athlete, I’ve had some thoughts of quitting cheerleading because of my mental health. There are days where I am very frustrated or stressed and ask myself ‘Why do I continue doing cheer?’, but then I remember why I started it in the first place and remind myself that I really do love the sport. At the end of the day, all the stress and pain is worth it, especially when we receive those rings at the end of the season!”
