As the cheerleading season kicks into high gear, many of you are reflecting on tryouts and gearing up for a successful year ahead. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just starting out, this period can bring a mix of excitement and nerves. As a cheerleading coach, I’ve seen it all, and I want to remind you that our belief in you extends far beyond a single evaluation.
Unless you’re brand new to a gym, your evaluation didn’t just happen last week; it has been ongoing throughout the entire year. Here’s what you’ve already shown us:
- Work Ethic: We’ve seen how hard you train and push yourself every practice, striving to perfect your skills and routines.
- Coachability: You’ve demonstrated how well you take feedback, adapt, and improve, showing a willingness to learn and grow.
- Attendance and Punctuality: Your commitment to showing up on time, every time, speaks volumes about your dedication.
- Skill Level: We’ve observed your abilities and progress, watching you master new techniques and stunts.
- Resilience: For those who’ve hit bumps along the way, we’ve watched you fight through challenges and keep going, showcasing your determination.
- Team Spirit: Your ability to be a team player, adapt to different roles, and take corrections gracefully reflects your strong team dynamics.
We know you, your capabilities, and what you bring to a team. We’re also well-versed with the scoresheet and understand what it takes to build a successful team. These qualities are crucial in shaping not just individual athletes, but the team as a whole.
With that in mind, take a deep breath. Even if you crash and burn during your evaluation, it doesn’t change what we already know about your abilities. Conversely, having the best evaluation of your life and throwing new skills doesn’t necessarily mean you’re ready to advance a level or two. Evaluations are a snapshot, not the full picture.
Let the next few weeks be about fun and growth. Enjoy the process of tryouts. While feeling great during tryouts is wonderful, the true joy comes when your team’s name is called in the winner’s circle. Trust that your coaches know how to build a winning team and believe in the journey. Remember, the end goal is not just to perform well in tryouts but to be part of a cohesive, successful team that excels in competitions.
