You're a senior at AHS, correct?
Yes.
Are you an Ada High School cheerleader? Do they have separate squads for different sports?
Yes, I am, and yes, we have a varsity football squad and a varsity and a J.V basketball squad. I cheer varsity for both
How long have you been cheering? How did you get started?
I have been cheering since first grade so about 12 years. I got started from a club they used to have for midget football called "Pup Club" and it was for grades1st through 3rd of whoever was not a part of midget football cheerleading. I cheered in that club until 4th grade when I made the Midget squad.
Did you do gymnastics/tumbling and/or dance as a child? If so, how did that impact your ability as a cheerleader?
I took gymnastics when I was younger, around 8 years old and I have taken tumbling for about 7 years and continue to take it. I think that it has impacted my ability greatly. I cheered for a competition cheerleading squad called the Lima Rebels and that is where I learned a majority of my tumbling skills, but from taking all of these classes I think it has just benefited me through my high school years, and gave me a jump start to learning new skills.
Tell me about being chosen as a Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA) All-American. Was this the first year you tried out? What did the tryouts involve?
Being chosen as a UCA All-American is an awesome opportunity and I am very excited to represent my school, my squad, and UCA. This actually is the second time I have tried out. I tried out last year and made it too. The tryouts involve doing a jump of your choice, the All American cheer, and the UCA camp dance, which are all taught during the camp.
So now you're going to London, England to perform in the New Year's Day parade. What does that involve? Do you know how long the parade is and what the route is?
It involves a tour of London to places like Buckingham Palace, London Bridge, Westminster Abbey, etc. and then the parade. The parade is 2.2 miles and includes roughly 9,000 people including 1,000 cheerleaders. The route starts at the Ritz Hotel and ends up at Parliament Square.
Is this your first trip out of the country? First flight? Are you excited? Nervous? Do you know any of the others going along? Have you practiced with this group since you were chosen or do the practices begin when you get there?
Yes, this is my first trip out of the country and is going to be my first time ever flying. I am very excited! I have never traveled out of the country so that is very exciting for me and I’m very excited to cheer in the parade and tour London. I am nervous but the only part that really scares me is the flight because I have never been on a plane before. I do know one other girl that will be going; she is from Kenton and attended the same camp that I did. No, we have not practiced together. They will be sending a video with all of the material we need to learn ahead of time, then when we get to London they will hold a practice for all of the cheerleaders.
What does the travel involve? I assume you've got your passport. What else do you have to take along? Do they provide you with uniforms, warm-ups, etc.?
We fly out of Chicago on December 26th and arrive in London. They provide uniforms that are mailed to us before the trip.
Are any family members going with you?
Yes, my dad is going with me.
Do you see cheering as a part of your life in years to come? Are you going to college and if so, where do you want to go? Do you hope to continue to cheer?
I am planning on going to college but I do not know where yet. I do think that cheerleading will continue to be a part of my life in years to come. I would love to cheer in college. I think that with the amount of time I have put into cheerleading, I wouldn’t know what to do without it; it’s just something that completes me and who I am and I love doing it.
What does this mean to you? How do respond to anyone who says that cheering is not a sport? I've seen the Ada cheerleaders perform and they all look very athletic, very strong and coordinated. Of course, you've got that great coach, Jami Dellifield...
Well, I get very worked up when people don’t think that it is a sport! It’s something I love so maybe that’s why I take it to heart more but I believe that cheerleaders are very athletic and the stunts and tumbling skills we have require a lot of athletic ability and coordination. So when people say those things to me I get worked up inside but I don’t let it show because I know that it is a sport so that’s all that matters!
Would you ever consider cheering professionally or becoming a teacher/coach?
Yes, cheering professionally would be awesome! If I were ever offered a coaching job I would take it!
