A letter to my babies competing this weekend

THE  NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL CHEERLEADING COMPETITION

It's that time again already? I can't believe that exactly one year ago I was flying to Orlando, Florida for the NHSCC with my best friends/teammates. It felt like such a dream to be able to go to Disney World as a competitive cheerleader and yet there I was, missing school for around 5 days and competing on the NCA Nationals stage. A combination of two of my favorite things, Disney and cheer, and I was basically in heaven. We certainly struggled to get ourselves a spot, but I can truly say that my teammates and I worked our butts off and managed to win 4th place in the nation last year! I don't think I have ever been more excited than the moment when the announcers called out my high school's name to receive 4th place. I felt so proud, so loved by all of my teammates, and most of all humbled, because as the captain of the cheer squad, I knew that my team performed better than we ever had and we earned the spot that we got with blood, sweat, and tears.

Considering the majority of my teammates from last year will be returning to Nationals this weekend, I just want to remind each of you sweet girls some things that I would have told you if I were to be there with you at the competition.

1. For you seniors, it is the last chance to prove to the nation what your team is capable of. As leaders, you have got to encourage the younger girls to give it their all, as if it were their last performance too. By now all of you probably hate the competition routine with all of your guts and you know what, that's a good sign because that means you know it by heart. 
2. Juniors, you guys are my babies and I know that you guys are capable of doing ANYTHING you set your mind to. If your spirits are up and you've got your "I'm gonna win this" faces on, well then that's just it, I know you can do it. 
3. Sophomores, I know that I never had the opportunity to cheer with you, but going to Nationals is probably a terrifying idea. If not terrifying then definitely intimidating. The best advice that I can give to you is to trust in your upperclassmen. They have done this before and the advice that they can give you about doing your best, staying calm, and having faith in yourself is the best advice you can follow because believe it or not, they were in your shoes last year and they know exactly what it feels like. 
4. Pray before each time y'all step out on the map. Those of you who went to Nationals with me last year know how satisfying and stress-relieving that was right before we stepped on the mat. Just knowing that God was in control of the whole routine and that he was watching over us with loving eyes for protection gave me this surreal sense of peace that made me able to complete a nearly flawless routine. 
5. Encourage one another. Remind each other of the importance that each member has to the team as a whole. In big events like this, it is extremely easy to get discouraged by the smallest mistake and yet when you step off that mat, you will be surrounded by the love of your teammates. 
6. Cherish your time there. For some people like me, going to compete at Nationals was a once in a lifetime opportunity. Like I said before, I had only ever dreamed that I would get to cheer in Disney World. By the end of my time at Nationals I was so exhausted and ready to go home, but every time I think about all of the opportunities that I had and memories that I made, I can't help but get a big ol' grin on my face. 

For all of you girls that were my former teammates, I love you dearly and I am so proud of each and every one of you and your accomplishments. You guys have grown so much from when I first met all of you and started cheering with you and with some of you I have some of the greatest friendships with. I know you guys blew last year's state competition scores out of the water with this year's placement and I have faith that you can push further at Nationals too. Chase those white jackets ladies and bring home another trophy! Have fun, be careful, and don't enjoy Disney too much without me ;) ~Em

P.S. If there is any way y'all could sneak me on the plane, let me know cause I would gladly last minute "chaperon" for you!