Name: Jaelynn Carlson

Grade: Freshman

Sport: Competitive Cheer

Five fun facts about Jaelynn

• She is a twin
• She loves helping others
• She enjoys baking
• When she is older she would love to be a child advocate
• She is the tallest in her family

How long have you been cheering? 

“I’ve been cheering for about five years now. My stunting position is back spot.”

Why do you cheer?

“To push myself beyond limits. It’s also just really fun. I also cheer because of the [cheer] family and support you get from the team.”

Who or what has been the biggest inspiration in your competitive cheer career?

“I would have to say my team and coaches. They push me to work harder and they encourage me.”

Who inspired you to join competitive cheer?

“My aunt Jodi, my aunt Jenny, and my mom had said I would love it and they were bugging me for weeks on end until I gave in and agreed to try it. I’m glad they pushed me to do it.”

What is your favorite cheer memory?

“Hitting my first stunt in fifth grade; it was a thigh stand but [it was] still pretty cool.”

What is your favorite round in competitive cheer? 

“Round three because I’ve always just really loved stunting and all the hard work you put into the round pays off when all your stunts hit.”

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

“I feel all cheerleaders should be dedicated, [have good] sportsmanship, and [be] focused. All these things are very important to have if you are on the team because you have to give 110% since cheer is now the center of your life. You have to also respect others on the team and the coaches by listening and doing what they tell you to do because all of that will help you on the team and in life.”

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

“I feel the team is dedicated and tough. People get hurt and fall and they take hits, but they all get back up and they give it their all.”

Talk a little about your time being a part of FHC competitive cheer this year.

“This is my first year cheering for a competitive team, and it’s hard. Every day you’re there giving it your all. I love it, though, because we all work together, encourage each other, and help each other be the best we can be. I expect us to have some rough days but to then have more amazing days. This season has been amazing and hard but we all have shown that we love the sport. In this sport, you have to be mentally and physically strong, because it takes so much out of you, and some days you feel that you can’t do anything, but your team is there to tell you that you can do it.”