Expert: Pamela Enders - 4/24/2009

Question
Hey! I'm really sad because this year I had to miss tryouts because I;m really sick! And next year is my senior year and I really want to cheer. Usually my school would have end of the year tryouts then in the beginning of the year for the people who missed the first and incoming freshman's. This year they had the upcoming freshman's tryout now along with the returning cheerleaders! They picked 52 girls out of 70, and well I really doubt that they will have tryouts again next year. Do you think there is anything I could I do?

Answer
Dear Gloria,

I’m sorry you’re sad and that you had to miss tryouts.  I can see why you are worried they won’t have tryouts again next year but – how can you know for sure???

Is it at all possible that you’re wrong about the school not having tryouts next year?  I would recommend that you contact the coach and ask him or her what the chances are that there will definitely not be tryouts.

Sometimes (and we all do this) we can convince ourselves something is going to happen when it really isn’t.  Getting accurate information from a reliable source is the best thing to do.

It isn’t clear from your question whether you actually have cheered for the school before or if this would have been your first time out.  If this really would have been your “last chance” to finally cheer, why not set up an appointment with the coach, to tell him or her how much you would love to cheer and how sad you were to miss tryouts.  You can always ask if it’s possible to get a separate, private tryout.  Coach may say no but at least you have made a connection and communicated your interest and enthusiasm. Coaches like people who show spirit and interest.  Maybe coach would let you be an assistant or help out in some way.

Maybe there’s some other way you can get involved with promoting school spirit – other than cheerleading.  Does your school have a Pep Club or something like that?  If not, could you start one with a group of other kids?

If all else fails, you could check out a local cheer gym.  Many communities have these.  There are All Star gyms and recreation squads.  The YWCA or the Girls club might have squads.

As you can see, I’m suggesting you take a pro-active stance and get more information, make an appointment with the cheer coach, consider other school activities, or check out local All Star gyms and rec teams.

You might also want to check out my blog – www.confidentcheerleadingblog.com for other tips and info.

Good luck to you!