Emma Elliott, a sophomore who stands on the sidelines all football and basketball season as a varsity cheerleader, does more than what most students see cheerleaders do at school. Instead of watching Netflix all night or hanging out with her friends all weekend, she dedicates the majority of her time in the gym or traveling to competitions as a competitive cheerleader.

1. How long have you been doing competitive cheer?

This is my second year.

2. What got you into competitive cheer?

I wanted something more than school cheer. I loved to tumble, and when I didn’t make varsity freshman year I decided to try out for competitive. I also had a friend, Mills, who did competitive who convinced me to try.

3. Where do you cheer?

KCAC (Kansas City Athletic Cheer)

4. What level team are you on?

This year I am on Senior 4, which means we do standing tucks, layouts, specialty passes through to layouts. Next year I hope to move up to [level] 5, the highest level at our gym.

5. What position are you in stunts? 

Last year I was a main base, but this year since I’m so tall I am a back base. I love it because I’m pretty much in control of the stunt, and I feel like the leader. It’s my job to keep my flyer safe, and I love catching her even if it means I’m the one getting hurt.

6. How much time do you dedicate to cheer each week?

I have a three hour practice on Sundays, an hour of tumbling on Mondays, two hours of open gym on Tuesdays, two and a half hour practice on Thursday, and another open gym on Saturday. It’s pretty much all I do.

7. What is a cheer competition like?

A cheer competition is like a concert for cheerleaders. There’s a raised stage, crazy lights, loud cheer music, and crazy fans (and crazy cheer moms). And when you win, it’s even better.

8. What is your favorite part about competitive cheer?

My favorite part would have to be tumbling because this year I have progressed so much. The best feeling is mastering a new skill. Tumbling is actually really fun, when you have a lot of power you pretty much fly through the air.

9. What is the hardest part about competitive cheer?

The hardest part is being mentally tough. Cheer is more mental than physical. You have to push through so much and just tell yourself that it is all worth it because you love the sport so much.

10. What are the differences between competitive and school cheerleading?

Competitive cheer is so much different. There are no pom poms, cheers, or chants. We don’t have any games; we have competitions where we compete for only two minutes and thirty seconds. We work all year long for less than three minutes on the mat.