Sideline cheer captain Juliana Weiss started cheering at a young age, following in the footsteps of her friends. But she found that cheerleading was more than just a fun sport: It was a growth opportunity.
“Cheering from a young age has given me the opportunity to step out of my comfort zone and find myself,” Weiss said. “Because of cheerleading, I have become a much more outgoing person, and my confidence has grown every year, especially as a captain.”
But after six years, Weiss found herself at a crossroad and had to quit cheerleading to find her love for it again.
“I went through a rough patch during my eighth-grade year, where I started to fall out of love with cheering,” she said. “I began losing interest in the sport and ended up quitting after the season ended. Not trying out the following year was one of the biggest mistakes I’ve ever made because I instantly regretted it and wished I had given high school cheer a shot.”
After realizing the mistake she had made, she rejoined the team during her sophomore year. And her passion for the sport she’d spent her childhood doing was restored.
Through cheerleading, Weiss has created so many memories that have shaped who she is.
“My favorite memories will always be Friday night football games. I have always loved the vibe of being under the stadium lights, wearing my cheer uniform, and doing what I love with people that I love,” she said. “It is a feeling like no other.”
Junior Maddie Mazzie has created fond memories of her own with Weiss.
“Getting ready for the basketball games, being in a room during nationals with her was really fun,” Mazzie said. “Even just talking on the sidelines – it’s not hard to talk to her at all.”
Senior and fellow captain Lily Rock also has shared good memories with Weiss.
“We shared a room at states last year and she made everything fun with her energy – even simple things like getting ready together,” Rock said.
Mazzie also admires Weiss’s ability to lead and encourage others on the team.
“She’s really thoughtful, and she really does care for the cheer team,” Mazzie said. “An example from last year is that she would tell me that I got this and always supported me going through the routine.”
Rock said Weiss supports the whole team.
“She always gives words of encouragement to everyone and reminds us of all the goals we are working towards and helps us get there,” Rock said.
Her teammates, meanwhile, help Weiss be the captain and friend that she is.
“I don’t think I would be as close as I am to even half my teammates if I were not on this team,” Weiss said. “The bonds that I’ve made with everyone are so special and something that I’m hoping to keep in my life forever.”
Dedication is another admirable quality that Weiss has, Mazzie said.
“She’s dedicated and strives to be the best she can be, especially on game day,” Mazzie said. “She gives everyone really encouraging, good words (before the games) to help us get through the routine – even on the sidelines during the games.”
Weiss’s devotion to the sport has inspired her to continue on with it as she heads into college.
“I plan on continuing to cheer in my future and hope to try out for a cheer team at the college level,” Weiss said.
