Makayla McNett is a junior and a member of the cheerleading squad.

McNett has been cheering since elementary school and decided that she wanted to cheer because she always looked up to the other cheerleaders growing up.

“My favorite part of cheerleading is the friends I have made. Some of the girls have came to be some of my best friends and those friendships are irreplaceable,” said McNett. “We spend a lot of time together as a squad throughout the year and I am so happy that I can spend that time with my best friends.”

McNetts favorite memory from this current season is when her stunt group got their back tuck basket toss. McNett shares that their cheerleading squad has never really had a lot of advanced stunts so this was an important milestone for the cheer squad.

“I believe that that being happy, a good listener, and hard working are some of the qualities that make me a good cheerleader,” said McNett. “If cheerleaders aren’t happy to be doing what they’re doing, then they aren’t cheerleaders at all. Being a good listener is also crucial because with sporting events, things can change at the last minute. A good cheerleader should always be listening and ready for any changes. If I wasn’t hard working, I don’t think my stunt group/squad could possibly be where we are today.”

When asked what her definition of a cheerleader was to her, McNett explained that being a cheerleader is learning how to support your team and be spirited even in the face of defeat. She stated that sometimes cheerleaders may be the only ones still cheering on your team, but you have to do it, and you have to do it with a smile on your face.

“I think the most rewarding thing about cheerleading is being able to be someone that little girls look up to,” said McNett. “Growing up I always wanted to be the cheerleader that the little girls on the sidelines watch and hope to be, and it’s an amazing feeling to finally get to that point.”

For anyone thinking about cheering in the upcoming season, McNett says, “Being a cheerleader is probably one of the most fun experiences I have ever had, and I would only hope that other girls would want to join our cheer family.”