Expert: Tessa Denen - 8/26/2009

Question
I am a college cheerleader and a base/backspot. The 1st year I cheered in HS I flew a bit, then my second year they made me a base. I really miss flying and really want to become a flyer again but now I weigh 128 and am 5'5" and Im wondering if I need to loose weight to become a flyer once again. Also, how do I convince my coach to let me fly? Im a little nervous to talk to her about it since this whole year shes just seen me base/backspot but never fly and I dont know how to approach her about it. I would really appreciate the help =]
thanx <333

Answer
Hi Pamela,

Well by what you told me, you are a skinny girl so don't worry at all about your weight!!  Really, there is no easy way to approach this.  My advice to you is first of all, approach him/her alone, not in front of everyone or at practice.  Your coach will appreciate that.  Secondly, just be honest!  Say "Hey coach, I know I have been a base and a backspot for our squad and if that's where I best help the squad, then I'm happy, but I also have some flying experience and would love to opportunity fly again if you don't mind or if it is possible."  Maybe your coach is looking for flyers and just doesn't know that you are an option.  If you could do difficult stunts, let him/her know that.  But also, keep in mind that cheerleading is a team sport and different girls are needed for different reasons.  If your coach does not allow you to fly then it's because you are a great base/backspot and your squad needs you in that role.  It doesn't mean you are a bad cheerleader or fat by any means (5'5" 128 lbs is little!!!), it just means that your skills are needed as a base/backspot this season.  Maybe that will change next season.  I used to coach softball as well and I would always tell my girls "I know everyone wants to play short stop, but we can only have 1 short stop on the field at a time.  What good would that short stop be if she didn't have a first baseman to throw to, or a left fielder to catch everything over her head?  Every position has to be filled and if you are the best first baseman that this team could possibly have, then you aren't going to play short stop, you are going to play first base."  Just keep that in mind!!

Good luck!!!