Whether a new member of the Enloe cheer team or a veteran cheerleader experienced in the art of Enloe pride, every member plays a part in creating a community that is inspiring to our entire school. The cheerleaders create a resilient support system that sustains them through competitive performances and the stressful balancing act between school and athletics.
Enloe cheer’s sisterly bond sets them apart, creating a unique environment where the girls can collaborate and succeed as a whole. Danni Tucker, cheer captain of two years, ensures the team prioritizes individuality. ”We make our own image based on the strengths we have as individuals, instead of trying to force the team into something they’re not,” Danni says. “Some girls are good at one thing and might not be at another, and where one girl may lack a bit, we are all there to lift her as a team.”
New cheerleader Cami Guzman shares a unique perspective on the group’s dynamic and what it was like meeting the team for the first time. “A lot of us cheerleaders have met at other schools or cheer events previously,” says Cami. “Quite a few of us have seen each other before. … We all are in some way connected, which allows us to create a base for getting to know the rest of the team.” Their connections with each other grow ever stronger as they spend time together over multiple years. The team’s balance between individuality and collaboration leads to a comfortable environment for new and experienced cheerleaders alike
New members quickly adapt to the team, forming close friendships with their teammates. “Our personal motto as a group is that we are a unit,” Cami notes. “We are one, and we work together as a team to create a routine that works for everyone.” When performing complicated stunts, teammates have to trust each other to be able to confidently land during flips and feel comfortable in the air and on the ground. Whether as support or a flyer, every role during a routine is important, and having trust between members ensures that the performance will be successful.
Cheer opens up connections around the school for team members to build relationships and learn about the interests of our student body. “I have met so many groups of people from being in cheerleading, people whom I don’t think I would have known existed at all had it not been for Enloe cheer,” Danni says. Cheerleaders have the opportunity to interact with many different athletic teams at Enloe and beyond. Danni reflects on how cheer has changed the way she interacts with students at Enloe: “From the band and color guard, to the football and basketball players, and even other clubs and extracurriculars … I have had the honor of knowing a very large part of the Enloe community, and that is because of Enloe cheer.”
The squad serves as a pillar of school culture, energizing the student body through spirit days and game-day performances. But at athletic events, cheerleaders aren’t the only ones playing a part: everyone at Enloe plays an important role, whether in the crowd, on the field, at concessions, or in the band. There are so many ways to feel the Eagle spirit and connect with students around you. “During football season, I got placed directly in front of the students’ section,” Cami says. “This was very exciting to me. After all, I was in front of all my friends and classmates and got to cheer for them as they’d make funny faces at me, wave, and cheer my name!” This allowed Cami to make even more friends in the stands. Soon, students and faculty alike started to recognize her on and off the field, building connections with her community.
The excitement doesn’t go away even after years of cheer. Danni can’t help but feel proud of her school community as she watches everyone learn and grow together. “I see the band practicing after school on their showcase, I see football and basketball working hard at practice to bring us a win on game day, and I especially see Enloe cheer working hard to make Enloe more exciting for the student body,” Danni says, reflecting on her team’s significance to our school.
All the cheerleaders encourage each other to succeed and reach their full potential. Cami believes that giving tips to teammates and accepting constructive criticism helps them all to improve. Being able to point out mistakes to perfect moves kindly is important for creating a stable routine and a supportive team. Cami recalls helping a teammate refine her back handspring technique: “I was so proud of her, knowing that I was able to help guide her towards success.” This culture of constructive criticism ensures the team’s routines remain both consistent and safe.
Enloe cheer is on the right path to be even better heading into the new year. Danni believes that “Enloe cheer is on the up and up” and that “the underclassmen each year at tryouts come in with insane dance and gymnastics skills that ultimately improve the team.” As Danni leaves the team behind as cheer captain, we all can’t help but be curious about how Enloe cheer will grow and adapt to a new collection of talented cheerleaders in the future. No matter who captains the team, kindness and mutual respect remain at the forefront of our cheerleaders’ values. Take inspiration from our cheerleaders and be the best Eagle you can be!
