Competition Cheer
by Bryanna Rivera
by Bryanna Rivera
David Brearley’s competition cheer team is in the midst of its season! As anyone can see, each year our David Brearley competition cheerleaders work hard to represent the school and keep school spirit alive. They give their all daily—training multiple times a week, supporting other sports, and volunteering to improve our school. They serve as a strong support system for everyone, while also managing their own competitions. They frequently support everyone else, but who supports them in hard times?
As the most crucial part of the season approaches, our cheerleaders prepare for a jam-packed, stressful schedule. With cheer-related events happening multiple times a week, they often wonder when they will find free time. One anonymous cheerleader, when asked about her stress, said, “I feel like the stress is stemming from our team being very low-spirited with very high pressure. Also, with a new coach this season, everything is different. It’s very hard to navigate.” Another cheerleader is concerned about having to prepare not only for their own sport but also to prioritize other sports. She admits, “I find myself having little time to do stuff with us having difficult scheduled times for events; on top of that, having to keep up good spirits and still have other teams to cheer for, other than just preparing for our own competitions.” A common concern among the cheerleaders is the lack of recognition and support for cheer as a legitimate sport in our school.
Our cheerleaders need our support more than ever. With their first competition scheduled for January 4, 2026, they are diligently working to be the best they can be. Be as kind as possible to every cheerleader; considering how hard they work for our school, they could use the extra kindness. A sweet smile, a kind phrase, or something as small as holding the door can show our support during these difficult times. They undoubtedly deserve recognition, so make sure to show it!