Since 1995, American Cheerleader has been your top source for everything cheer. Become the best cheerleader you can be with sideline tips, tryout advice and step by step skill instruction. Get inside info on your favorite teams, along with the latest news and fashion, all from REAL cheerleaders just like you!
If you have a story idea, email us at editors@americancheerleader.com.
When Kyle Blassingame was a senior in high school, one of his friends suggested he come fill in on her all star team. They were down at team member and she thought he’d be the perfect fit. Never one to shy away from a challenge, Kyle agreed. He quickly fell in love with cheerleading and also saw an opportunity to get involved when he went off to college. Today Kyle is a senior at Tennessee Wesleyan University where he’s been a member of the cheer team for four years.
On July 19, 2019, Kyle Blassingame’s life flipped upside down. He was in an accident that caused him to have his leg amputated above the knee. It was his senior year of college. He had his whole life ahead of him.
Shortly after the accident, Kyle made the decision that he would put his uniform on again and finish his senior year like he had planned. “Cheerleading was one of my main motivators while I was spending many nights in the hospital battling through many surgeries,” said Kyle.
We asked Kyle why it was so important for him to get back in uniform and on the court before his senior year was over. His answer: “Why not?” Kyle sees his teammates as close friends rather than just people he stands on the sidelines with at games. They were counting on him. “Many of my teammates were not just a teammate to me but have grown into some of my closest friends today,” said Kyle.
It was important to Kyle to finish what he had started when he joined the team four years ago. He wanted to prove to himself, and everyone else, that what
seems impossible is, in fact, possible. “I wanted to be able to show my peers, coaches, and the community that no matter what tragedies we face in life one is still able to accomplish the same goals as anyone else,” said Kyle.
Just 14 weeks after his surgery, Kyle got back in his uniform and on the court. The day was thrilling for him and his teammates. “I was back out there with my prosthesis, uniform, and megaphone being grateful for every second I got to stand there and be back to doing what I love,” said Kyle. For his senior night, Kyle’s teammates had t shirts made to show their support for him.
Kyle doesn’t see his accident as a setback, but as a life lesson he plans to use to inspire others. “All of us are going to struggle and have to battle through something in our life,” said Kyle. “It is not the situation we are being put through that defines us, but it’s how we decide to handle our situation.” He encourages others to embrace the struggle. Don’t be afraid to ask for help in situations. Treat every day like it’s your last because you never know what tomorrow will bring.
So today, take time to embrace the struggle. Do something today to better yourself and those around you.
The post Why Not? appeared first on American Cheerleader Magazine.
Since 1995, American Cheerleader has been your top source for everything cheer. Become the best cheerleader you can be with sideline tips, tryout advice and step by step skill instruction. Get inside info on your favorite teams, along with the latest news and fashion, all from REAL cheerleaders just like you!
If you have a story idea, email us at editors@americancheerleader.com.
Hello everyone we had the chance to interview teen model and cheerleader Molly Louise. Molly has been able to accomplish a lot of great things through cheerleading.
She currently has 107k followers on Instagram. So make sure you check out her page and follow her.
I turned 13 in January.
Im a level 1 cheerleader but I love this sport and plan to train and work hard to keep improving myself. I love my gym and hope to eventually be on our level 5 team.
Mums favourite kids clothes was Pumpkin Patch, one day while we were shopping, I was only 1, they asked Mum if she’d bring me to an audition because they were shooting their next catalogue on the Gold Coast here in Australia.
So I auditioned and the ended up in their catalogues. As I grew up I took a little break but started modelling again just over 2 years ago when I was 10.
Oh I have many. I’d love to become a high level cheerleader and compete at worlds one day. I also like to get into acting and I plan to travel to see and learn more about the world when I get older.
It’s not always easy but if you really want to do this, work hard and keep at it. Don’t get disappointed if you don’t get that exact job you wanted, there’s alway a reason and if you keep at it something better is waiting for you xx.
If you liked this article make sure you check out our recent interview with: Bri Ariel: Teen TikToker And Youtuber .
For most of us, the cheer season is officially over. From games under those Friday night lights, to taking the stage for the final time at nationals, it all went by in the blink of an eye! But now what? While spring and tryout season is on the horizon, you might feel like you’re stuck in a never-ending winter. Use the ideas below to avoid getting cabin fever as you wait for the next season to get here!
Plan a Stay-Cation
Grab your besties and plan a tropical weekend at home. Blast your favorite pool-side playlist while you make smoothies. Watch movies that make you think of sweet summertime and have snacks that remind you of having fun in the sun! Or pick a different ‘destination’ and plan a weekend themed around that location. The possibilities are endless!
Take Time for Other Activities
Think back on the times you’ve had to say no to plans because of practice, a game or a competition. Now’s the time to get them done! From catching up on must-see movies to being able to try that new restaurant, take time to check these activities off your to-do list.
Step Back for #SelfCare
During the busyness of the season, it’s easy to forget to dedicate time to yourself. The off season is the perfect chance to give yourself some much needed “you” time. Get a bath bomb and take a long, warm bath. Even light some candles and play relaxing music – you’ll be surprised how much you can chill out! Pretend you’re at the spa and give yourself a mani/pedi. Try a new facemask or even make your own. Everyone could use a little R & R!
Try Something New
While there’s no denying your ever-lasting love of cheer, consider trying a new hobby during the off season. From picking up running to learning how to cook, it’s always nice to have another outlet to turn to outside cheer and you might make a few new friends along the way. Not sure where to start? Ask your teammates for ideas of things they’re interested in and try something new together.
Hit the (Open) Gym
Okay, we’ll admit, it’s hard to stay away from cheer. Hit up some open gyms to keep your skills in shape! This will put you in a good place heading into the new season. Or consider taking a tumbling or stunting class at a local gym. You just might learn a new skill or two to take you into tryouts.
While the cheer season is long, the off-season can sometimes feel longer. Get motivated and get out there – tryouts will be here before you know it!
The post The Season’s Over… Now What? appeared first on American Cheerleader Magazine.
For the Charles Page High School Cheerleaders, they not only put in hours of practice for game day and competition – they also put in countless hours in their communities. Collectively, they have completed 2,500 volunteer hours at a camp called Make Promises Happen in Guthrie, Oklahoma. These girls dedicate their time, talents and energy to allow individuals with disabilities to live “life without limits.” While still attending school and cheering at games, these cheerleaders also give up their weekends throughout the school year and at week-long camps throughout the summer. Even though camp is an hour and a half away from their hometown, it never stops them from volunteering. Many weekends, the Charles Page cheer team would leave right after cheering at a Friday night football game so they could get to camp as soon as possible.
At camp, each counselor is paired one on one with a camper to assist them with all camp activities, including personal care and all camp events. Activities with campers include swimming, archery, arts and crafts, high ropes course, talent show and even a dance where they can teach some of the dances they perform on the sidelines! Each of these girls has dedicated a tremendous amount of time to ensure that their campers have the best possible experience and get the chance to have the same adventures as the rest of us, regardless of disability. They bring this same level of friendship and inclusion to their school, where they are all champions for every student to be included and involved.
The goal of the Charles Page High School cheer team is to make an impact every single day as they lead others with their servant hearts. We are so proud of them and the commitment they each make to change lives one camp at a time!
Hello everyone we had the wonderful opportunity to interview Megan. Megan is a teen cheerleader, she is a great role model for teen cheerleading as well. Teen Cheerleading is growing and getting bigger and bigger.
Everyone make sure you go check her out on instagram. She currently has 14.6k followers on instagram. Make sure you give her a follow.
I’m 15 years old.
I believe that teen Cheerleading can teach an athlete discipline and also help teens gain skills that they might have never thought they could accomplish.
Cheerleading has led me to meet so many amazing people, led me to modeling, and strengthened me mentally and physically.
My goals for the future are to expand my modeling portfolio, book more jobs, and grow my Instagram.
My advice for teens in my field is to always remember that at the end of the day, you should do what makes you happy. There’s always going to be someone trying to stop you from doing what you love, but you just need to ignore them and keep being you.
For more postive teen news checkout Durrelliott.com!
Hello everyone it was a pleasure to interview Mia. Mia can model and she cheers, thats an amazing combo. She even cheers for a national championshhip winning team.
She currently has 158k followers on instagram. Make sure you checkout her page.
When it was announced National Cheerleading Champion, it was one of the most amazing feelings in the world. A goal that most Cheerleaders wish to accomplish. Definitely a highlight in my cheerleading career so far.
Modeling is a glamorous but tough industry. I love modelling and it has been amazing so far. It has made me grow and learn so much just about life.
My plans for the future are to be a World Champion Cheerleader. Travel to the states and compete in a Top Cheerleading Gym. I would also love to be a world famous model. Last but not least study sports nutrition and travel the world.
Advice for teens in my field. When it comes to Cheerleading always give your best and try your hardest. If you have setbacks don’t give up. You have to keep pushing through no matter how hard it gets. Champions aren’t quitters.
As for modelling, you will receive criticism. You need to learn to either ignore it or use it to your advantage. There will always be people out there that are unhappy within themselves and jealous of your success. Remember to just be you and never give up. Never let anyone or anything change the person you are.
For more interesting positive teen news Durrelliott.com!
Hello everyone we had the chance to interview Emilia. Emilia loves to cheer and model. She is a very talented cheerleader as you can see on her instagram.
Cheerleading has recently been growing over the years as well. She is an awesome model as we she is very professional for her age. She technically isn’t a teen yet but she has a bright future. Emilia is a great person to look up to as well for girls her age.
She has gained a humongous following on instagram. She currently at the moment has 174k followers on instagram.
11 in a few days.
I love the friendships that you make. Learning to work as a team and having to trust people. It’s great for keeping fit because there are different parts, including dance and tumbling.
I love modeling and getting to work with such talented people from fashion labels to photographers. I keep my modeling and private life very seperate, to my friends I’m just a normal kid that likes Tik Toks and makeup challenges. My family keep me very grounded.
I would love to work overseas with my modeling and also get to work on an action film. I am skilled in Tae Kwon Do so would love to be able to do this on screen.
Take everyday as it comes, don’t take it too seriously. Have fun with it. You never know what’s next.
For more interesting news checkout Durrelliott.com!
Cheerleading has been around for several years. Generally I used to think of it as just the a team that cheers for either the football team or basketball team. They usually get the crowd pumped with their cheer uniforms and pom poms but I was wrong.
Well I was wrong it’s definitely not that. Yes it’s a sport It is a worldwide national sport.
This sport has tournaments and events just like any other sports, you can win awards and trophies and they have cheerleading uniforms just like any other team has uniforms.
Cheerleading has evolved immensely. Especially in the United States, according to Wikipedia it has an estimated 1.5 million participants. Many of cheerleading competitions have even been covered by ESPN which is a big deal. ESPN also host a worldwide national cheering competition every year in Florida.
Another big influence in my opinion are cheerleading movies for example the bring it on movies. Besides those movies being really good they brought a better idea of what this sport really about which is competing and family.
The movies also did a good job of casting popular characters which made this sport for kids popular.A major takeaway that I noticed was that the movie included male cheerleaders which made it cool for guys to start cheering.
I expect these numbers for the sport to double in the near future.
Nearly every school ranging from middle school to college has a competitive cheerleading program. It has become a universal and growing sport.
For more interesting teen news checkout Durrelliott.com!
