In the fast evolutionary world of competitive cheer, the pressure mounts onto the athletes. Beneath the smiles and high-flying stunts, a silent battle of stress is unfolding for most. Competing cheer doesn’t just put on physical pain, but also mental and emotional pain. Freshman Tessa Dolph puts on the stress loads during the competitive cheer season and shows have to overcome the stress.

“Depending on whether it’s SEC or just an invitational, SECs are more stressful because they matter more,” Dolph said.

Even though SECs are more stressful, Dolph and her team still go through the same pre-comp routine to eliminate nerves and stress before stepping on the mat. 

“Before we go on to the mat I always have to do breathing techniques, so I don’t start freaking out,” Dolph said.

Even though Dolph keeps herself composed on the mat, Dolph still has so much waiting for her at home.

“Just a long hard practice, and then I have to do homework. I procrastinate on it, and then at 9:30 at night, I remember to do it, ”Dolph said.

Dolph comes home from comps or practices late at night and has almost no free time to get things that need to be done. Competitive cheer has its blocks in the road but those don’t stop her. 

“It takes up almost all of my free time,” Dolph said. 

Competition cheer has some downsides to it with the long practice, but it has many upsides and is worth it.

“Even though it’s super stressful, it’s worth it,” Dolph said.