Sophomore Miles Grimm, 

What is your favorite cheer and why? 

“I really enjoy doing Southwest Silver Hawks. To make sure I’m prepared I like to practice our cheers before I go to the game.”

Junior Olivia Grieser, 

Do you feel happy when you cheer at games? 

“I am happy when I cheer at games.” 

Junior Emilie Hunt, 

How has being a part of Unified Cheer changed or influenced you personally either as an athlete or a person? 

“Being a part of unified cheer makes me see all the other sides of cheerleading. It shows me how important it is to be inclusive and kind to others.  At regular cheer it’s more challenging and serious but in inclusive cheer, you’re always happy and it’s fun all the time.”

Junior Claire Bruns, 

Looking back on the first half of our cheer season, what has been your favorite part?

“I really like cheering with my partner Bailey because it’s lots of fun and a great experience. I am really happy that I get the chance to do cheerleading and I feel like I belong. Overall cheer season is my favorite time of year, especially when I get to cheer for volleyball because I really love that sport.” 

Junior Niah Rief, 

Do you think cheer is fun?  

“I think cheer is lots of fun.”

Junior Sophie Fox,

What made you decide to get involved with unified cheerleading?

“One of my best friends Miles is on unified. Me and Miles met in elementary school because of our older brothers, and we became really close. Our moms also became best friends. I wanted to work with him and do stuff with him that he doesn’t usually get to do.”

Sophomore Dathin Cooper,  

How do you prepare for a game day? 

“We practice as a team every Tuesday morning and learn cheers. For games we bring our poms, stretch, and then line up on the sidelines with our partners. Sometimes for football we have team dinners before the game.”

Senior Ellie Bailey, 

What advice would you give to other cheerleaders or athletes interested in joining a Unified sports team? 

“I would tell them to go in with an open mind and to be a positive role model as well as a positive friend. To be the person anyone can talk to and have fun with. Including people and spreading kindness is always the right thing to do and it’s so cool to know what you’re doing is making a difference. If you are interested in joining a unified sports team, you won’t regret it. The environment is so great and always so fun.”

Junior Almer Barnes, 

What does being part of the cheer team mean to you? 

“It means a lot to me and I’m happy that I get the opportunity. I really like cheering for volleyball because it’s fun for me to watch and my sister used to play it.”

Junior Bailey Zoucha, 

What are three characteristics you think are most important for all Cheerleaders to have? 

“Positivity, kindness and teamwork. Positivity is good because when you are cheering you need to be happy and lift up the people you’re cheering for. Also kindness is important because everyone deserves to be treated well. Lastly, teamwork so we are all able to compromise and make the right decisions. We are all a team so it’s essential we stick together.” 

Freshman Maggie Lunn, 

What do you think is the most important part of being a Cheerleader? 

“It’s important to be happy and cheer on your team.” 

Junior Meredith Miller, 

Can you explain what Unified Cheerleading is and how being a part of Unified cheer impacts your perspective on the sport? 

“Unified cheer is when we cheer with our Unified friends who want to participate in cheer. It is a separate team that has things broken down more so everyone has an opportunity to be involved. It impacts my perspective on cheer by giving me a new point of view of the sport. It really makes you realize cheer can bring everyone together no matter people’s differences.”