Attention all cheerleading enthusiasts! Prepare to cheer on 40 of Sound Mind Sound Body’s talented cheer teams as they embark on an exciting journey to compete in the prestigious AYC National Championship at Silver Spurs Arena December 8-10 in sunny Florida. From jaw-dropping pyramids to gravity-defying flips, the cheerleaders of Sound Mind Sound Body are capturing the attention of spectators and judges alike.
Mastering Cheer Stunting and Showcasing Skills Nationally
Cheerleading has come a long way from simply cheering on the sidelines. It has evolved into a highly competitive sport that requires immense strength, flexibility, and coordination. In two short years, Sound Mind Sound Body has elevated the sport of cheer by incorporating skill development, hosting HBCU cheer camps, and pairing with American Youth Cheer (AYC), the biggest youth program in the world.
Teams are challenged in local, regional, and national competitions with established guidelines to ensure that athletes have an atmosphere of learning with a competitive balance. Nationally certified judges judge each level of competition. We’ve learned that this league rule removes any biases and that the feedback and critiques received give our girls a competitive edge as they advance to new levels.
Organizations traveled to Vegas to attend the cheer conference in May, where AYC official rules and regulations were discussed before the start of the 2023 season. “I went to the cheer conference and returned some information to them. When it comes to stunting, my coaches are experienced. They do a great job of knowing the score sheets, the penalties, and the rulebook. Education itself is key. You have to know every aspect,” shared Cassandra Wallace, President of the West 7 Rams.
The Road to Nationals
The SMSB cheer squads are no stranger to success. Last year, five teams made waves on the national stage and took home national trophies in their division: West Seven Rams 14u Cheer & Hip Hop Dance teams, River Rouge Jr. Panthers 12u Hip Hop Dance, Southfield Lathrup Falcons 8u Pom, and the Southfield Lathrup Falcons 14u Pom.
“My goal for our girls is to be scholarly athletes, and the same effort it takes to qualify for nationals is the same effort it takes to excel in school,” shared Dr. Kim Smith, Cheer Coordinator for the Falcons, whose organization has experienced a lot of growth over the last year.
National cheerleading competitions are not only a chance for teams to showcase their skills but also an opportunity to learn and grow. SMSB Sub-Committee Chair of Cheer, Lisa Sampson, shared, “Last year was our starter year, but this year, our girls have grown in their confidence after having a chance to go and see what nationals was really about. It’s a completely different cheer style than in Detroit.” Competing against some of the best cheerleading teams from across the country pushes these athletes to their limits and helps them discover new levels of excellence.
About Sound Mind Sound Body Youth Association:
Sound Mind Sound Body (SMSB) is a proven platform that ensures students matriculate to post-secondary education by successfully prioritizing and balancing a unique curriculum that combines life skills, athleticism, and academics. STUDENT + ATHLETE + SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY + SOUND DECISION MAKING = SUCCESS.
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Jalisa Bannerman