GOOD HOPE, Ala. — Good Hope senior Lexi Doss will be heading into her fourth and final year as a varsity cheerleader and has enjoyed every second of this experience so far. She has learned some very important things during this journey and from some incredible cheerleaders.
“I am so blessed to have been able to experience it. It has been so much fun, and nothing short of incredible. I thank God daily for the friendships and relationships I’ve made as a cheerleader these past 13 years. The most important thing I’ve learned is that without God, none of the things I am able to do would be possible. I have also learned that a good team is very hard to find, and when you do find it, it changes everything. I am so blessed with the group of girls I get to cheer with,” Doss said. “It has been such a blessing. Each of us know we can count on one another for anything, and that’s what makes this team so special. The individuals on our team have taught me how to love, guide, and encourage others in my everyday life. They have also taught me patience, kindness, respect, and joy. I am beyond grateful for them.”
Lexi is cheering for some amazing coaches and has soaked up as much as she can from them. Her improvement in her performance throughout the years have drastically improved and she has improved the most on some important things.
“It has been so rewarding getting to be coached by them, while also growing in my relationship with them. They treat us as their own children, and for that, I will be forever grateful. The biggest lesson they’ve taught me is that no matter what you may be going through, God will always be right there with you. Another important lesson they have taught me is to enjoy every moment, because you never know how fast your life can change,” Doss said. “I have been a cheerleader for 13 years. From the time I was four, my entire life has revolved around cheerleading. It is such a full-circle moment to be able to look back at how far I’ve come since the beginning. I have physically and skillfully improved each year, as well as also improving as a person. Cheer has always been such a huge part of my life, and it’s so bittersweet that the end is coming so soon.”
She added,
“I have definitely improved on my stunting and tumbling skills over the years, but I have mainly improved my strength. I love spending my free time working out and getting stronger; it’s my therapy.”
Lexi will continue to work on some things as she gets ready for this upcoming cheer season, and she talked about the goals for this season.
“Since this is my last season, I am working my hardest to improve on every aspect I can. I want to finish strong, and leave behind a legacy of hard work, determination, and most importantly, faithfulness,” she said. “My main goals are to cherish every moment and to not take a single second for granted. I know it sounds cheesy, but it truly matters so much to me. I want to be able to look back on these years when I’m older and be happy that I cherished these times while I was in them. Several of my other main goals are to improve my tumbling, win state, have a strong run at Nationals, and to be a Godly example by sharing the Gospel and ministering to my teammates. One of my biggest personal mottos is, ‘You may be the only Jesus someone meets, so spread God’s word as much as you can'”.
She added,
“Some of our team goals are also to win state, have a strong run at Nationals, but more importantly, to grow closer as a team, and be there for one another every chance we get.
Lexi thinks this cheer season will be a very special one for the Lady Raiders and she talked about her role models growing up.
“What will make this team special to watch this year is our strong ability to work together as a team to accomplish a common goal. We also have many new stunting skills, unlike anything we’ve ever done before, along with a large variety of skillful tumbling,” she said. “One of my biggest role models is Evan Hutchins, from Sheldon State. We have known each other for years, so I have been able to see, first-hand, all of the effort he has put in to become successful. The road to collegiate cheerleading is far from easy, but not once have I ever seen him give up on his dream, or even something as small as putting in a half-effort at a single practice. His skill level, along with his relationship with the Lord, is truly admirable and inspires me daily. Along with him, I have had many amazing cheerleaders to come before me, that I still look up to, even to this day.”
Lexi talked about the best advice that someone ever gave her and what she’s looking forward to the most this upcoming season.
“The best advice I have ever been given is, ‘Love God, and love all people’. God calls us to love all people, regardless of who they are or the way they treat you. Another great piece of advice I have been given is my mom telling me, ‘Respect is given where respect is earned’,” she said. “I am looking forward to spending my senior year with my girls. I have such a special bond with the younger girls, and it’s such a blessing to be able to pour into them daily. I am also looking forward to cherishing every moment, and hopefully finishing up my high school career with a ring.”
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