For Victoria Laney, cheerleading has always been more than just a sport—it’s been a dream since childhood. “I started cheer in my freshman year, but I had wanted to do it since I was a kid,” she shares. That early aspiration blossomed into a genuine passion once she joined her high school team, and the experience has shaped her in ways she never expected.
Cheer quickly became an outlet for Victoria, a place where she could channel her energy and find joy in the rush of performing. “I love the adrenaline of performing in front of a big crowd,” she explains. But while the excitement of the spotlight is undeniable, Victoria is quick to point out that cheerleading is more than just dazzling routines and bright smiles. “There’s a lot of ups and downs to cheer for. It gets very frustrating when you’re stuck on a skill, but once it clicks, it’s very rewarding.”
One of her most memorable moments came at Waukesha South’s Southside Showdown, her first competition. The thrill of winning was only matched by the camaraderie she felt with her teammates. “It was really fun because I loved the team I was on and we won.”
A typical cheer practice is both rigorous and rewarding. The team starts with stretching, warms up stunts for about an hour, and then focuses on new skills before fine-tuning their routines. “After that, we spend the rest of practice working on our counts and timing,” Victoria says. The hardest stunts she’s had to master, like the back-handspring up or a full-up switch-up, test not only her technical skill but also her resilience. “They’re both very technical skills, so if you catch it wrong, the stunt could come down.”
Balancing cheer, school, and other responsibilities is no easy feat, especially with three-hour practices. “By the time I get home, I have to stay up late to get my homework done,” she admits. Still, the support from her teammates makes the challenges manageable. “We always try to lift each other up, especially when we’re trying new skills.”
Focus is essential in cheerleading, Victoria emphasizes. “People can get seriously hurt if we’re not locked in and trying our hardest.” That dedication paid off last year when her team took home state and nationals titles. “I’m most proud of my nationals and state performance last year. It felt like everything we had worked for came to the perfect conclusion, especially with us being state champs.”
Before each performance, the team stands in a circle and prays together, a ritual that grounds them and strengthens their bond. “I would describe cheer as engaging. It has to be engaging to the crowd, and we have to be engaged in what we’re doing in order to perform our best.”
Looking ahead, Victoria doesn’t plan to continue cheer after high school, as she plans to pursue track in college. But the lessons, friendships, and memories she’s gained from cheerleading will stay with her for years to come.