Name: Emily Haan

Grade: Senior

Sport: Competitive cheer

How long have you been cheering for? What is your stunting position?

“I’ve been cheering for 6 years. I am a back spot.”

Who inspired you to start?

“Sarah Hubble [inspired] because I was sick of not being able to hang out on weekends in 5th grade because she had to cheer. I thought I would do cheer to avoid that problem.”

What is your favorite cheer memory?

“My favorite cheer memory is being able to see the growth of my friends and standing next to them for so many years and having so much fun.”

What is the difference between sideline and competitive?

“Sideline is a very peppy, happy sport to get everybody pumped up, but competitive is where all of our skills are shown. We are put up against different schools and we get to show how strong we are.”

What is your favorite round in Comp? Why?

“Round 3 because it is fun to have a challenge of stunting. Round 3 is the most visual in my opinion because we are in fact throwing girls. Round 3 is a kind of a mixture of every round as well as stunting. It’s really fun to learn and try new stunts.”

How do you feel about FHC having their own competitive team this year?

“I’m super excited to be apart of the first ever comp team. I believe we will set the bar high and come in with a strong team.”

What three characteristics do you feel are most important for cheerleaders to possess? Why?

“Amiable, determined, and flexible. Amiable because it is important to be nice and friendly to everyone, including teammates. Determination because if you want things done and done quickly, you need to be determined. Flexible because things are always changing and if you aren’t flexible, cheer will be a struggle.”

Why do you want to cheer for high school as opposed to an all star program?

“I think both are great, but I prefer high school. I am in front of my peers and which gives it an intimidating factor; you want to be the best you can be so you don’t embarrass yourself.”

What do you think are the team’s best quality?

“I believe we are all very genuine-we have a sort of bond that nothing could break. Everybody is so silly and unique that it just brings out a new meaning to FHC Cheer.”