Dear Dr Zirpoli,
New Providence cheerleading has been a part of my life for as long as I can even remember. Ever since I was a little girl I have been more than excited to go to cheer practice to learn new skills, hang out with friends and have fun. But there has also always been a little voice in my ear telling me that cheerleading “is not a sport.” From someone who has been working hard to try and get new skills and get stronger, this is extremely upsetting.
My entire life I’ve been trying to prove to people that I am strong and that I can do just as much as a boy can. And then I find out that the sport that I commit to and that has made me the strongest version of myself isn’t considered a sport? Well there just has to be something wrong with that, right?
Yes, there is something wrong with this because cheerleaders are athletes. Whether you’re a base, back spot, flyer, tumbler or jumper, you are part of the team.
According to varsity.com, the definition of an athlete is basically:
- Someone who is taking part in a physical activity that may involve propelling mass into space or to overcome a resistance of a mass (Stunting!)
- Someone who is able to compete or be in a contest against another team/opponent (Competitions!)
- And, an athlete must be in a regulated environment where time, space, and purpose provide the conditions to produce a declared winner (Time limits, mat size and score sheets!)
This is what an athlete is to me: someone who is willing to work hard and put the time in to get what needs to be done for a physical activity. And honestly that is an understatement for what my team is. My team has been working almost everyday after school since June to be ready for our fall and winter season. And I am proud to say that doing this had us in the perfect position to win a state championship.
Football, basketball, soccer, baseball, softball, volleyball, track, wrestling, swimming, hockey, lacrosse, golf, and tennis can all win state championships and be considered sports. So why can’t cheerleading? If we are putting in our time and effort to be the strongest team we can, why can’t we get a title?
If cheerleading has practice from 3-5 everyday and so do other sports then why is it a “club”? We practice on weekdays, have games on weekends, have film and go to the weight room. What about that sounds like a club?
If you have ever watched a gymnastic or cheer routine you may be impressed by some of the skills they can do, such as a full twisting layout, a full up switch up, and a double kick basket. All of these skills are extremely impressive and what do they all require? Strength. Dedication. And willingness to work hard. Which are all characteristics of the New Providence Cheer Team.
Next time you see a cheer team do some insane skills, just think, could a football player do this?
Sincerely Anabelle Maneely, a New Providence athlete
Varisty.com “Cheerleading is a sport” March 14th 2018
Gray Tianna “Let’s settle this, is cheerleading a sport?” 2026