The Importance of Spirit Squads

 The Importance of Spirit Squads

The job of a spirit squad member is different from every other athlete at their school. Not only do spirit squad members have to be exceptional athletes, they also have to be exceptional performers. They must perform amazing routines and make them look effortless and entertaining. Every moment they are in front of a crowd they must be upbeat and excited, especially when their team is losing and morale is low. It is up to them to keep the crowd engaged and to get them to rally behind the athletes they are cheering for.

Whereas most athletes only have to perform during game time, spirit squad members are busy from the start to the finish of game day. Often times they will get to school early to make personalized signs and goodie bags for all of the athletes they are cheering for. Then during the school day leading up to the game they will lead pep-rallies to get the school and its students excited for the game. While the athletes are warming up spirit squad members will put on a pre-game performance or mingle amongst the crowd to get people excited for the game or raise money for their school or various charities. During the game they are on the sideline performing and keeping the crowd engaged, and at every timeout and break they put on a performance to keep the energy up.

Spirit squad members also act as ambassadors of their school. They go to events around their community and represent their program. Because they spend so much face time in close proximity with their crowd, they are easily recognizable. They have to be on their best behavior both in and out of uniform because their actions, even in their everyday life, are a direct representation of their school.  That is why only the most responsible young people are cut out to be on a spirit squad.

 Most athletes play a single sport per season and it is their only concern. Spirit squad members have to give equal attention to every sport and club that is happening in their school. They are involved in fall and winter sports, clubs, school productions, and special events lead by the faculty throughout the entire school year. The job of a spirit squad member is a great one, and is usually under appreciated. They work tirelessly because they love the programs they cheer for and have an overabundance of school spirit. They lead the crowd and give their school a good name in the community. This is why every school can benefit from an awesome spirit squad made up of leaders and upstanding young people in the community. 

 The authors

- former High School Cheerleader

-former University of Missouri Cheerleader

-UCA staff and Head instructor 7 years

-10 years experience coaching at the High School, College, and Competitive level of Cheerleading