From Flying High to Slam Dunking: My Journey from Cheerleading to Basketball
My cheerleading journey began when I was just 9 years old, and I was introduced to the world of Allstar cheerleading. As a flyer on an exceptional athletes team, I was part of a vibrant community that spanned ages 6 to 22. Exceptional athletes encompass a broad range of disabilities beyond autism, Down syndrome, and cerebral palsy. Little did I know I would spend the next four years soaring through the air as a flyer. I was small but mighty, and my size initially earned me a spot as a flyer. But it was my passion, skill, and flexibility that kept me soaring.
As I grew in skill and confidence, I became the main flyer just a year later. My size was no longer the only reason I excelled; my flexibility, balance, and strength set me apart. I mastered impressive skills like balancing on one leg, performing a scorpion, and executing intricate stunts with ease.
But it was the advanced skills that really showcased my talent: the lib in extension to full down, the pike basket toss, and my signature move – the scorpion. I loved every minute of flying and stunting, and it was clear that I had found my calling.
Cheerleading was more than just a sport; it was my passion. And as I look back on those five incredible years, I know that I left everything I had on the mat.
I spent years soaring through the air as a flyer on my cheerleading team, but everything changed when we switched gyms. With an influx of younger teammates and a shortage of volunteers, I was forced to take on a new role: basing. I struggled to adjust, missing the thrill and freedom of flying. Little did I know this change would be the catalyst for a new journey, one that would lead me to discover a fresh passion and a new sense of purpose. But for now, I was stuck in a rut, trying to find my footing as a base.
Things only got tougher when I realized the girls I was basing didn't share my passion for flying. One girl was so scared to fly that she jumped out of a stunt, accidentally hitting me in the face. I faced reprimand for speaking out against being assigned as a base, while my teammate was hesitant to fly. Ironically, when she expressed interest in trying out basing, she was met with a firm "no". This led to her becoming visibly upset and nearly having a meltdown, as she was adamant that she didn't want to be a flyer and longed to be a base instead. Her mom mistakenly scolded her for being a bad sport, when she was not being a bad sport. She didn't want to fly and wanted to be a base. I confided in my family about the challenges I faced, and my family wisely pointed out that if the girls didn't want to fly, they'd only get hurt. Not only does the flyer get hurt. The bases also get hurt. Their words stuck with me, and I knew I couldn't continue in a role that didn't suit me. So, I made the difficult decision to quit cheerleading the following year, leaving behind the sport I loved because I couldn't bear being a base.
After quitting cheerleading, I decided to try playing basketball. I fell in love with the sport and eventually joined the team, leaving my cheerleading days behind. As I honed my skills and gained confidence on the court, I knew I had found my new calling. I officially joined the basketball team, embracing a new chapter in my athletic journey and leaving my cheerleading days behind. I proudly joined the Parkland Buddy Sports basketball team, embarking on an exciting new chapter in my athletic journey and leaving my cheerleading days behind. This fresh start allowed me to grow, learn, and thrive in a new sport, surrounded by supportive teammates and coaches. A pleasant surprise awaited me on the team - friends I had met through soccer when I was 12! It was wonderful to reconnect with them and share this new experience together.
As a former flyer, I was accustomed to soaring through the air and performing intricate stunts. In contrast, basketball demanded quick reflexes, strategic thinking, and teamwork. I enjoyed learning new skills, such as dribbling, shooting, and defense, and adapting my athleticism to the court. Joining the Parkland Buddy Sports basketball team marked a new chapter in my athletic journey. I embraced the opportunity to grow, learn from my teammates and coaches, and develop a new sense of purpose. As I navigated this new sport, I discovered a fresh sense of confidence and belonging. I was the only girl, but I found supportive teammates and coaches who helped me grow and thrive. I developed a new sense of purpose and confidence, and I was excited to navigate this new sport.
I continued to play basketball with a friend from my team, whom I originally met through soccer. Our Sunday sessions led to an invitation to join his private games with other teammates and their dads. Once again, I found myself as the only girl on the court, but I didn't let that intimidate me. Instead, I embraced the opportunity to play with a talented group of athletes and learn from them. The experience not only improved my skills but also deepened my connection with my friend and the rest of the group.
I still remember the day my friend's dad opened the door to a life-changing experience - joining the Special Olympics. I eagerly signed up, and before I knew it, I was teaming up with the same four boys I had grown close to. As we formed a tight-knit group of five, I couldn't help but notice a familiar pattern - I was the only girl among them. Despite being the sole female athlete, I felt a sense of belonging and camaraderie with my teammates, and we were ready to take on the challenges of the Special Olympics together. Every Friday, we had basketball practice, and everyone participated. We worked on drills, learned the rules, and played games with the coaches and dads. It was a great way to spend time together, improve our skills, and have fun. The practices were always engaging and helped us develop our teamwork and communication skills.
As the only girl on the team and in the entire game, I faced a unique set of challenges. But I was determined to hold my own, and my coaches recognized my potential. Despite being one of the smallest players, I was a force to be reckoned with. My coaches cleverly taught me techniques to neutralize the size advantage of my opponents, and I quickly became one of the team's main players. I earned a reputation for being tough and skilled, and I reveled in the opportunity to prove myself on the court. One key strategy my coaches taught me to neutralize the size advantage was to master the art of using my body and explosive jumping ability to outmaneuver my opponents. I learned to expertly 'pick' - positioning myself to screen and block taller players, creating opportunities for my teammates and myself to drive to the basket or shoot uncontested. By leveraging my agility and quickness, I could effectively counter the size disparity and create a new advantage on the court. I gained a reputation for being small but mighty.
Through my journey, I've learned to embrace new challenges and find opportunities for growth. From cheerleading to basketball to the Special Olympics, I've discovered a fresh sense of purpose and confidence. I'm grateful for the supportive people I've met along the way and excited to see where my athletic journey takes me next.
