Photo by Kara Hoyt
Payton Maraman
Payton just finished her freshman year at Plant City High School where she cheers for the Raiders varsity cheerleading team.
How long have you been cheerleading?
I started cheer when I was 5 years old, so that would be 10 years!
How did it feel to make varsity as a freshman?
It was an incredible feeling! Being a freshman on a varsity high school team is something that I never knew I wanted, being that I cheered Allstar cheer my whole life. But something that I’m glad I did!
How crazy was it that you guys had such a successful year?
Really crazy! You think it could be possible, but when it all starts happening, the feeling is surreal!
What was your favorite memory of cheer this year?
The night we won Nationals and then just an hour later won worlds!
What are you most looking forward to in your second year cheering for the Raiders?
Trying to be even better than we were last season!
What’s your favorite part about being a flyer?
Learning new skills and the feeling that everyone is watching me while performing my skills.
What advice would you give someone who’s trying out for cheer the first time this summer?
To keep their head up and be confident because PC is a no-judgment zone.
What’s an area in cheer that you want to improve on?
My jumps!
When you’re not cheering or practicing, what are you doing in your free time?
Shopping and hanging out with my friends and family. But honestly, there is not a lot of down time in cheer because it’s a year-round commitment.
What are your plans for the summer?
Going to UWG to work on new skills at the school I hope to attend after I graduate. Also hanging with my friends.
