WEST POINT, Ala. — West Point senior cheerleader Haylee Hernandez is heading into her third and final year as a varsity cheerleader and her first year as captain. She has had an amazing experience during her time on varsity so far and has learned so much during that time. She’s had a blast cheering alongside some great teammates.
“It has been amazing. I love the cheer team and especially this year. We’ve grown so much this year already and have bonded like a family. I’ve really learned how to be a leader and what being a leader consists of. A leader should always be there for everyone, support everyone, and help every team member, including my coach,” Hernandez said. “I love cheering with them. These girls and boys make it so fun to be on the sidelines at every game, cheering and dancing to support our team. It’s very different, but in a positive way. Having guys on the team has been so fun and gives us chances to learn new things, like coed stunting. These boys are some of the best cheerleaders I know.”
Haylee has learned so much from coach Christy McCrickard and has seen her performance improve so much throughout her time on varsity so far.
“She is the absolute best coach. I’ve never really connected on a personal level with a coach until she came. She’s taught me so much and not just about cheer. She’s taught me things I can use in real life. She motivates me to be the best person I can be. The thing she tells me the most is to fight. That can mean from fighting for our team to be better to fighting in life. She always tells me to push through everything. She also always sends us positive, motivating quotes every morning to help us through the day,” Hernandez said. “I’ve improved so much throughout the years. Freshman year, it was very hard learning over 100 cheers, 10 dances, and stunting was very hard for me. Now, I can do all these in my sleep and was in an amazing stunt group.”
Haylee is so blessed to be the captain of the cheer team and has already learned so much about being captain. Haylee and the rest of the team will be working on some new things as they prepare for this upcoming season.
“It feels great. I’ve already learned so much and have been able to be there for every cheerleader when they need me. I’m so glad to be the captain of this amazing team. I’ve learned how important it is to connect with every cheerleader. Being captain isn’t just about calling cheers and being in the middle; it’s about being there for every single cheerleader and being the best captain you can be to see your team succeed,” she said. “We want to be the best cheer team that West Point has ever seen. We want to improve on our performance at games. We are working on more advanced stunts and amazing dances that will wow crowds.”
Haylee talked about her goals and the team goals for next season and what will make this cheer team special to watch.
“My personal goal is to have many cool stunts and amazing tumbling. I’ve progressed so much since we’ve started at our new cheer gym. Our no. 1 team goal is to be the best we can be and go above and beyond this year,” she said. “We’ve always done the same dances, cheers, and chants. This year, we will have new dances, uniforms, and stunts. We also have so many different personalities on the team this year that will make our cheer team entertaining to watch.”
Haylee talked about her favorite cheerleaders and shared some of the best advice that someone ever gave her.
“One of my favorite cheerleaders was a senior my sophomore year and her name was Kinsley. I really connected with her, and she was like a big sister to me. I still talk to her to this day. I am also very close with Emma and MaciJo since they’re only a year younger than me. One of my favorite world-known cheerleaders is Gabi Butler. She is one of the best flyers in the nation and her tips and her performance in cheer have really motivated me over the years,” she said. “The best advice someone has ever given me was from my coach at my cheer gym and it is that it only matters what you think of yourself. It doesn’t matter what others think of you; if you think you are a great athlete, you are. If you think you’re an amazing person, you are. Always think positive things about yourself.”
Haylee has taken away so much from the seniors that came before her.
“I’ve learned how important it is to form friendships and spend as much time with them as possible. Your high school years go by quick, and you don’t even realize it, so it’s important to take in every moment you can.”
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