Kaya Johnson (10) brings the spirit on the sidelines and in her everyday life. She always has a pep in her step and brings the same energy to the people around her. Johnson also uses this same spirit on the sidelines while she is cheering. Cheerleading has influenced Johnson’s life greatly and this passion started when she was young. The support of teachers and friends by her side made her want to start cheering.
“I started basketball cheer in middle school my 6th grade year and didn’t start football cheer until 7th. My teachers at the time mostly encouraged me, and I had a friend who did it as well,” Johnson said.
With multiple games a week, cheering has taken a lot of Johnson’s free time away. So, finding time for schoolwork has become a challenge, especially with classes that require a lot of effort and time. Balancing cheer and school has not been an easy task for Johnson, but she uses her extra free time to her ability.
“Balancing sports and school has definitely gotten harder this semester. I have Spanish 2 with Correa, and then Anatomy and Physiology. They are both classes that I have to study quite a bit for. However, when I’m not on the sideline, and since we do not practice during basketball season, I spend my off days studying for upcoming tests,” Johnson said.
Johnson has been practicing cheerleading for a while and it shows. She is an expert on the sideline and has developed many impressive skills. She plans to finish out high school cheering and hopes to continue it during college.
“My dream would be to cheer for an SEC school, but I don’t nearly have the skills for it. I always see those girls working so hard, and they just look so amazing on the sideline,” Johnson said.
Cheerleading has allowed Johnson to make many friends and become closer to the ones she already had. It also made a way for her to use the positive energy and spirit that surrounds her. Even with it creating the obstacle of having less free time, Johnson still manages to complete her schoolwork. Johnson is an outstanding cheerleader and student!
