Personal Narrative: My Love Of Cheerleading

I’ve been a competitive cheerleader for the last seven years, and I can’t imagine doing any other sport. I’ve been a part of the Maryland Twisters cheerleading organization for three years, and as soon as I sat in on one of Eye of the Storms, the special needs team, practice I wanted to be a part of the team. After watching Eye of the Storm practice, I was amazed at the hard work and determination the athletes. I wanted to experience the love of cheerleading with these inspiring athletes. As soon as the new cheerleading year started, I spoke with the owner of Maryland Twisters about helping out with their special needs teams, Eye of the Storm and Storm Chasers. I was thrilled when she said the other coaches would love the extra help with the teams.
When I’m volunteering my responsibilities include leading the athletes through stretching, helping the athletes practice their routine, and assist them in stunts and tumbling. Cheerleading is incredibly dangerous sport and with the athletes throwing their bodies around a lot can go wrong. With my expertise on cheerleading, I help make sure all tumbling and stunting is executed correctly, minimizing injuries. Every moment I spend coaching I must be completely alert and aware, so no athlete is injured because my negligence. Our team always could use more helpers, so I started recruiting other cheerleaders in our gym to help out with Eye of the Storm and Storm Chasers. The most difficult part about recruiting people is that not a lot of people will commit to spend their free Saturdays volunteering. Another difficult part of volunteering as a whole is being a coach first and a friend second. I love the athletes I coach, and we’re one big family. However, sometimes I need to critic their skills and be their coach not their