Broken Arrow’s Jaxon Roop
By Elizabeth Contreras
Behind every championship routine is countless hours of grit, teamwork, and leadership, qualities that senior Jaxon Roop embodies. From his first hesitant season at Broken Arrow to becoming team captain, Roop has learned what it truly means to lead.
This year, Roop is leading the squad as captain, a role he takes seriously.
“I am a very good motivator when it comes to leading and I like to encourage my teammates,” says Roop. He sees himself as a motivator and encourager, always striving to bring out the best in his teammates.
As for routines, Roop shares that his favorite element is tumbling, both to watch and to perform. His proudest skill is the standing full, something he worked for through months of practice and persistence.
“It took me such a long time to get this skill, but now it is like muscle memory,” he says.
That persistence was tested last year in a way he never expected. Roop faced appendicitis the week of state competition, forcing him to the sidelines during one of the most important events of the year.
“It was very frustrating and sad to have had surgery and not able to compete,” Roop explains. After surgery and recovery, he returned to competition, and his team went on to win the Game Day competition, an experience he describes as unforgettable.
Undoubtedly, Roop’s setback tested his mental toughness in ways many athletes are familiar.
“Mental toughness is choosing discipline over comfort,” adds Roop. “that looks like showing up and pushing through those hard practices or pushing through pain.”
The demands of cheer, Roop believes, are underestimated. From long hours on the mat to grueling two-a-day practices, cheer requires equal parts mental and physical stamina.
“I think a lot of times we get overlooked,” he says. “I wish people could just see how much work and effort we put into our sport.”
Yet for him, the rewards far outweigh the sacrifices. Among his favorite memories are winning back-to-back national championships and last year’s state title, both moments that cemented his love for the sport. Looking back, he sees just how much he’s grown, from a hesitant freshman to a confident captain who leads with resilience, determination, and heart.
