Brooke Edwards has never loved anything more than tumbling. The thrill of going upside down gives her a rush of adrenaline that does not compare to any other feeling. For her, what she loved the very most about gymnastics was the tumbling aspect. But because of the variety of skill in gymnastics that she didn’t enjoy as much, Edwards chose to put up her leotard and try out for HSE Cheer.
Walking into the scene as a timid 9th grader, Edwards had minimal experience in cheer. There were a few previous practices where she learned cheers, but besides that, her background was fully rooted in gymnastics.
“I felt nervous walking in,” said Edwards. “It was an entirely new environment that I had never been apart of.”
What gave her comfort was the skillset from gymnastics she had tucked away. The moment her feet stepped onto the mat, Edwards felt a rush of comfort and knew she was in the right place. Despite her never experiencing being involved in any cheer, Edwards made her mark with her tumbling. Little did she know, Edwards would be given the opportunity to participate in HSE’s top cheerleading teams for football, basketball, and competition.
“I was seriously so excited when I found out I made Varsity,” said Edwards.
Edwards couldn’t be more grateful for all the opportunities that altered her freshman year in the best way possible. She discovered a passion where she could live out her talent of tumbling while representing her school as a proud HSE cheerleader. Edwards says she wouldn’t be where she is without the support of her teammates and the unity they found, which strongly contrasts with gymnastics, a more individualized sport.
“My team has made this experience for me,” said Edwards. “Their constant support makes doing what I love even more fun.”
