Cheerleading and the effort that goes into it is constantly overlooked. Read this article for a sneak peak behind the curtain revealing how hard we truly work, and how we see ourselves as a true sports team. Being on a team with a plethora of different personalities and backgrounds can be challenging but it provides an opportunity to build strong communication and teamwork skills.
“Team building in sports develops behaviors and skills that result in improvements in team effectiveness. A basic tenet of team building is when team members foster a sense of unity, or togetherness. This creates a catalyzing function bolstering the individual members’ efforts through increased motivation. This directs them towards their common goals, and improves team performance outcomes.” according to Team building – Wikipedia
This proves it is possible for any team to establish a positive dynamic with the right techniques and methods.
“ I’ve gained great friendships that will last a lifetime. A positive is our fun practices. Miscommunication between teammates has been my biggest struggle.” Jaida Austin, a sophomore at New Hartford Senior High, said. Though we have had struggles, using communication tactics have helped immensely within our team. While slowly applying each skill to our every day practices we have grown and prospered as a team.
“I take criticism in and tell myself to do better next time,”Christina Philips, a sophomore at New Hartford Senior High, said. “Hitting a cradle is probably my biggest accomplishment. My short term goal is to end off on a good season. My long term goal is to start competing with cheer.” A part of communicating well, for our team especially, has been taking criticism as respectful advice instead of a personal attack.
We have had many fun experiences together as a team.
“My favorite memory of being on this team so far is singing music in the back of the bus with my very good friends,” Jaida said.
Overall we have come a long way since the beginning of the season, and plan on exceeding all expectations no longer what obstacles come our way.
