Junior Sam Strickland began cheerleading in 2nd Grade and isn’t new to competition. But, she still feels the pressure when going against the best.

“I get butterflies and it’s a thrill and adrenaline rush,” she said.

That’s also true for cheering on the Lancers, Strickland added. All cheerleaders go through the intensity of high school sports and show passion for their teams.

“It’s fun to support our teams when they win,” she said.

To improve her skills, Strickland attends the Woodward cheerleading camp during the summer for stretching and conditioning practice. This translates well to national competitions, where cheerleaders showcase their talent against America’s top squads.

“It’s a sense of accomplishment,” she said.

Although Strickland enjoys competitions, her favorite part of cheerleading is spending time with friends on the Lafayette team.

“It’s fun and I get to bond with all the girls,” she said.