By Jane Mackin
Hannah Moriarty is a sophomore at Westmont, and it’s her second year doing competitive cheer. She is JV sideline captain and Gameday captain. She has such a strong love for cheer and is super excited for another season. So I asked her a couple of questions about the start of competition season.
What’s your favorite part about cheer?
“I love the physical aspect that comes with cheer and the athleticism it requires.” She also loves the strong community cheer has built for her and all the friends she has made while being a cheerleader.
When did you start doing cheerleading?
Last fall (freshman year)
What are your goals for this season as a team and an individual?
“As a game-day captain, I want us to have a strong routine we feel confident doing as well as making it to finals at nationals.” As an individual, she said she wants to put herself out there more and also put all of her energy into this routine and give it her all.
What is something you wish more people knew about in cheerleading?
“Cheerleading is very mentally and physically difficult, and it’s so much more than cheering for someone on the sidelines. We put so much time and effort into our competition routines, and I wish more people recognized that.”
Do you have any pre-competition rituals?
Hannah doesn’t have any crazy rituals like wearing inside-out socks, but she does pray before every competition, and her favorite part is the pep talks in one big circle before going on to compete.
What’s the hardest?
“I think the hardest part is the mindset and dedication it requires for competitions. Also, the practices are long and rigorous because the season stretches from September to February.”