Sophie Herman has been cheering for almost half of her life. The junior started in first grade, and, after a break in third grade, rediscovered her passion for the sport as a middle schooler. By the end of her high school career, she’ll have nine years of experience under her belt. It is safe to say that cheerleading has become a dominant part of her life.
Every summer, the MHS cheer team goes to NCA camp. During the time the cheerleaders are at camp, they are coached by competitive college athletes. This gives cheerleaders an opportunity to learn new material and improve their skills based on the instruction they’re given. A staple part of camp is the All-American tryout that finishes the week
off. Cheerleaders are chosen to be a part of this tryout by receiving ribbons throughout the week, which signify their nomination. Being nominated is already a big accomplishment, but making the All-American team is an honor. That’s why the experience was so special for Herman, who had received the nomination in a previous year. This doesn’t mean that there weren’t still nerves, though.
“Skill-wise I was mostly worried about tumbling since I don’t have any experience with it. It is definitely nerve-racking trying out. You are in a silent gym with a bunch of people staring at you and you just have to yell as loud as you can and be super spirited and excited. I had practiced all the material for the try out a ton but I was still so worried I would mess up.”
It’s because of this that Herman was so surprised when she not only perfected the tryout, but made the All-American team.
“Going into the tryout I honestly did not expect to make the team, most people don’t get on until their senior year so I was more looking at this tryout as an opportunity to practice and improve for next year,” said Herman.
But, after an excitingly stressful week, Herman made the team, being only one of two cheerleaders at Mehlville to do so this year, and the only Junior. And this wasn’t even the only honor she received. The coaches also award one cheerleader with a plaque to show their recognition of the athlete’s leadership. Herman was grateful to be able to take a second award home with her.
