By: Allie Edwards

Thump, thump. Your heart beats loudly in your chest. Your teammates are talking, you nod and smile, but the world is moving in slow motion. You try to calm your nerves, but visions of the audience, your coaches and the bright lights flash before your eyes. Suddenly, a voice comes across the loud speaker, clear and crisp. There’s no turning back.

Your thoughts become quiet. They’re replaced with the sound of chanting and applause. At that moment, you remember your why – why you’re here, why this matters, and why you must leave it all on the mat. You take your place and close your eyes. There it is again – thump, thump. You wait. 

Thump, thump. The music begins. 

It’s your cue. Your thoughts and worries are washed away, as the familiar beat carries you from motion to motion. You flow from the stunt sequence to the pyramid, then standing tumbling to jumps. You work, fight, push, smile. And the music is your anthem. 

Well, usually that’s how it goes…

“And up next, from Raleigh, North Carolina…the Cheer Extreme Cougars!” 

Fans cheered. Coaches shouted. Lights shined. Music blared. The cougars waved to the audience and assumed position. 

I sat in front, on the edge of the arena floor, the best seat in the house. I propped up my phone, ready to record another talented program. I knew the performance was going to be good, but I didn’t know it would go down in cheer history.

As soon as the speakers boomed, the mat was full of action. There was a confident, yet contagious energy about them – executing skills with ease and working the judges. They started off strong…

HIT. Applause. 

HIT. Applause. 

HIT. Applause.

They gained momentum, powering through the first few seconds.

SILENCE.

Hush swept over the arena like an unexpected shadow. “Oh! The music. Where’s the music?!”

I sat on the border, between two worlds. I saw the expression on the competitors’ faces as they kept their composure; victory seemed to have slipped through their fingers. I felt the concern of the anxious spectators, who had moved to the edge of their seats.

In the cheerleading world, we have a familiar internal language, or “cheer code.” Some of the lingo, in fact, might seem downright foolish to some. But in the strangest, most beautiful way – it connects us all. And in that moment...

1, 3, 5, 7. 

1, 3, 5, 7.

Picking up steam…

1, 3, 5, 7!

1, 3, 5, 7!

Time stood still for a moment. Chills ran down my spine. Then, my voice merged with the crowds, “1, 3, 5, 7!”

As the fans continued, magic unfolded on the mat. The Cheer Extreme Cougars fed off of the arena energy. In the silence, the audience could actually hear the strength and effort put forth during tumbling. Feet hit the floor and athletes powered through perfectly synchronized passes. 

Stunts? Solid. Transitions? Seamless. Jumps? Perfectly timed. 

They moved through the pyramid without skipping a beat. As if they were performing to their music, top girls imagined the music, mouthing lyrics with bright eyes. They held their chins high, while base groups fiercely worked together. At the top of the pyramid, the coaches’ area roared with excitement. 

But the show wasn’t over yet. Having just presented a truly impressive routine, the all-stars broke out to the final dance formation, exploding with energy. The crowd clapped on every count, rooting the athletes on to the very end. 

I’ve seen countless dances. I’ve been entertained, blown away and impressed. But this was different. This reminded me what cheerleading is about. 

They hit their final pose and the arena erupted. Happy tears were shed and hugs were exchanged. The photographer turned around to me and yelled, “I love this sport!” And I couldn’t agree more. 

That afternoon, at the NCA All-Star National Championship, I didn’t have the best seat in the house. Every single coach, spectator, event worker and athlete did. They committed their efforts to each other and conquered the impossible.

That afternoon, we were all reminded that cheerleading is more than a competition – it’s a community. There’s a passion for this sport that some don’t understand. There’s an appetite for thrill, desire for skill and commitment to progression. There’s support for the underdogs and an admiration for the trailblazers. And when there’s a challenge, the community comes together to gather the strength to persevere. Ultimately, we’re all on the same team.

Congratulations to the Cheer Extreme Cougars, for taking home a National Championship title in the Level 5 International All-Girl division at the 2016 NCA All-Star National Championship. For event information, results and photography, visit varsity.com/dallas16.