BREMEN, Ala. — Cold Springs sophomore cheerleader Jaci Baker is cheering on the varsity squad for the first time and is really enjoying her time with the squad. She’s so happy to be cheering alongside some great teammates and has learned a lot from them so far.
“It’s been wonderful. I love everything about it. I have learned that no matter what happens, you will always have people that are there for you. You have people who will support you and encourage you to do things you are most terrified of and who will hold your hand when you are sad, and to just be there for you, no matter the circumstances,” Baker said. “It’s been amazing. It has been a true blessing. I could not have asked for a better cheer team. I have learned how to trust myself and believe in myself and the things I can accomplish. I have also learned how to have a better attitude about things and stay positive.”
She has learned some important things from her coaches and has seen some great improvement in her performance from the start of the season until now.
“My coaches, Adrian Dickerson and Heather Wilkerson, are wonderful coaches. They have taught me responsibility and trustworthiness,” Baker said. “I have seen a lot of improvement when I first tried out. I had not cheered since youth, and I was going in there blindly. Now, I have learned how to be sharp, not let mistakes show, and many other things this season. What I’ve improved on the most this season so far is definitely my attitude towards difficult situations.”
Jaci had some goals before the season started, and she talked about what has made this cheer team special to be around, the best advice that someone has ever given her and her role models.
“My goals were to grow closer with these girls and to improve on my skills. I feel like I’ve achieved my goals, but I know that there will always be room for improvement,” she said. “What has made this cheer team special to be around is their constant motivation and drive. Each and every girl push each other to be better, and we lift each other up in the process. The best advice that someone has ever given me is that God gave you a purpose. Never let anyone make you feel any differently. My role models are Hope Speegle and Hayla Watson. They always motivate the cheer team to keep going, and they will have our back, no matter the situation.”
Even though this is her first year being a varsity cheerleader, Jaci already has a lot of younger girls looking up to her as a role model. She has learned an important thing about herself and this team.
“It’s an honor to know that the youth girls want to be like me and be on the varsity cheer team. It truly warms my heart,” she said. “I have learned that I can accomplish more than I think I can. What I’ve learned about this team is that I will never be alone. I have my girls.”
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