More often than not, cheerleading doesn’t get the credit it deserves. After being in the sport for nearly 20 years, I can honestly tell you that it was the best decision that I ever made. I never thought that a decision that I made when I was 13 and in 6th grade would ultimately be the best thing that ever happened to me. Cheerleading has shaped me into a hardworking, dedicated individual and I see these qualities day after day in everyone that gets involved. Cheerleading is much more than the skills that are taught to be put on a sideline or mat. There are many “life skills” any athlete will learn if you let them get involved.