You may think cheer is all tumbling and smiles, but the truth is cheerleaders put their bodies through a physically demanding practice while running the risk of injury when bodies are being thrown around. It all comes together in what we see as a polished routine.
VYPE caught up with Bixby’s Maverick Williams to get his take on the season and life as a cheerleader for the Spartans.
VYPE: Maverick, what grade are you in this year and when did you get your start in cheer?
Maverick Williams: I am in 11th grade, and I started cheering for Bixby 9th grade year.
VYPE: How has this season gone for you and the team?
MW: This season has had its ups and downs we started by preparing for regionals and state and competed and then we prepared for Nationals and competed as well.
VYPE: What are the strengths of your skill set and what did you improve on this year?
MW: My strengths are getting the team to come together as one and I’ve improved with consistency this season by getting extra reps in after practice and outside of practice.
VYPE: What makes BHS a great place to be a student-athlete?
MW: The schooling is great and the coaching staff at BHS has made my love for the sport grow.
VYPE: Which teammate impressed you this season?
MW: My brother Wyatt has impressed me this season as he started late and has learned so much so fast and has grown as an athlete.
VYPE: Who keeps everyone laughing and who is the most serious?
MW: The teammate that keeps everyone laughing is Kayla Estrada. The person that is the most serious is Izzy Morgan.
VYPE: How do you mentally prepare yourself for competition?
MW: I mentally prepare for competitions by going back and remembering all the times that I’ve done well and tell myself that it’s possible and I’ve done this before.
VYPE: What do you love most about your teammates?
MW: Something I love about my teammates is that we are a family, and we all lean on each other and hold each other accountable so that helps everyone achieve the most that they can.
VYPE: What’s the goal for life after high school?
MW: My goal is to go on and cheer in college and later on become a coach of some sort for the sport.
VYPE: Who inspires you?
MW: My brothers are my top supporters they have been holding me accountable to get in the gym and get some extra reps in helping me fix form and prepare for things.
VYPE: What accomplishment are you most proud of?
MW: I am most proud of coming home with a national title my 10th grade year.
