Senior Bekah Stevens is a cheerleader at Plant City High School. She and the rest of the Plant City Raiders cheer team are preparing for their State competition in Lakeland on February 2 and the following weekend is Nationals on February 11 in Orlando.
How long have you been a cheerleader?
I have been cheering for 4 years at Plant City High School.
What’s your favorite thing about cheering on competition days?
My favorite thing about cheering on competition days is getting to perform with my best friends. I love the feeling after we hit and seeing the excitement fill the room.
How are you feeling heading into States next weekend?
I am feeling extremely excited to compete at States this week. We have worked extremely hard for this moment. I’m so confident in my team and ready to take the mat!
Do you have a favorite moment while cheering for Plant City High School?
My favorite moment while cheering at Plant City High School was winning States my Sophomore year. It was an unreal experience; everyone was filled with so much joy and I was just so proud of my team.
If you’re not cheerleading, what are you doing in your free time?
If I am not cheering, I enjoy shopping, hanging out with friends, going to the beach, and baking with my sister.
How different is it from cheering at football games to traveling for competitions?
Cheering at football games is different than competing. On game days we do sideline cheers, and we get to show some stunts that we’ve worked on. While at competitions we complete a complex routine composed of stunts, jumps, a cheer, a dance, and a pyramid.
Do you plan on going to college? If so, do you plan on trying out for cheer?
I am still deciding on where I would like to go to college, but I am considering trying out for cheer wherever I go.
Do you have any pre-game rituals before a comp or game day?
Before a comp, my team has many rituals. A few of them are saying affirmations while holding hands, visualizing, praying, dancing, reading our why, and listening to our song.
What’s your favorite thing about your cheer coaches?
My favorite thing about my coaches is their passion for the sport as well as their care for us as people. They never let us settle and are always striving to make us better athletes as well as better humans.
What are your top songs to get you hyped and ready for game day or a cheer comp?
My top 3 songs before a competition are Run This Town, The Show Goes On, and Remember The Name.