Interview with SHS Sideline Cheerleader Abby Six
Welcome back to Off the Reels! This next athlete is a senior with a lot of drive and passion for all the sports she plays. She is a multi-sport athlete who not only cheers during the fall and winter but also plays on the varsity lacrosse team.
Cheer story:
Abby has been cheering ever since she was in the 1st grade. At first, she had no intentions of staying with it as long as she has; however, through many years of training and dedication, she quickly fell in love with her sport. Not only is she on the varsity sideline cheer team, but she also crosses over and competes in the winter for game day and competition cheer.
Something most people wouldn’t assume about cheer:
Most people don’t fully understand all that it takes to be a competitive cheerleader and the work that goes into it. “It can be very intense when learning new skills." Abby described just how difficult it can be to learn how to flip your body a certain way that you aren’t used to. As a cheerleader, this is something that she has grown more comfortable with but that doesn’t take away from the fact of how challenging it can be. When learning new skills she seeks advice from her coaches and videos herself to go back and see where she can improve.
Abby’s plans after high school:
Abby currently plans on majoring in PR and Marketing. She has been attending multiple stunting clinics in hopes to cheer somewhere in college as well. “I’m also trying to be a part of the UCA staff, a program that teaches at different cheer camps." Cheer has played a big role in Abby’s life, and it’s great to see that she plans on sticking with it past high school!
Abby’s favorite memory from being a Panther:
Abby’s junior year was the first year that her team was able to compete at Nationals in person since the Coronavirus outbreak. Her team traveled to Orlando, Florida, and competed at Walt Disney World. Game day cheer ended up securing 1st overall in their division and came home National Champions. “That was one of the coolest experiences for me and my team.” Getting to perform her favorite routine in an environment like that was something that she will never forget.
How Abby leads her team as a senior:
“I am trying to push the girls as much as I can and get them as comfortable as possible.” She knows that both her sideline and competitive teams are full of talent, and if they can connect as a team then they will be unbeatable on the mat.
What it’s like being a multi-sport athlete:
Abby seems to be constantly submerged in sports no matter what time of year it is. Whether it be cheer or lacrosse, she is always on the go. “I don’t really get an off-season so my social life can be affected, but it’s something I wouldn’t trade for the world.”
What it’s like cheering in front of a huge crowd:
Abby used to get nervous about cheering in front of huge crowds at the football games but has grown to love it more and more. “I love being in front of all of those people and being connected with the Blue Crew throughout the game… it’s a really fun experience.”
What Abby is going to miss the most about high school cheer:
"Most of all I’m going to miss being on the mat and competing.” Abby has formed so many strong connections over the years with the other girls and her coaches, and nothing is going to beat competing with them.
Abby’s advice for other athletes:
“The biggest thing is to put your heart into it every day… if you don’t you’re not going to be happy with the outcome.”
Good luck to Abby this fall during the rest of her sideline cheer season!
