If you think cheerleading is nothing more than a fun after-school activity for high schoolers, you are missing the bigger picture. There are many ways cheer can and have led to fulfilling careers later in life. Here are just a few examples of your future possibilities in the world of cheer.
Maddie Gardener
No discussion on the future potential of cheerleading would be complete without talking about Maddie Gardener, a young lady who has cheered since the age of 7, and recently helped her team win the world championship! Today she is an internationally recognized all-star cheerleader who is maintaining honor roll status and making media appearances. She is currently studying journalism at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Career Possibilities
Not every cheerleader will become an all-star or compete on the world stage, but there are still great opportunities. The first, most logical career choice would be cheer coach. When you know cheerleading from the inside, you have a unique perspective and skills to teach other young people. Many times a coaching position will coincide nicely with a teaching degree.
Transition to Performing
What do cheerleaders do on a regular basis? Perform! Experience in cheerleading can quite naturally convert into a performing arts career. Some very famous examples include:
- Sandra Bullock
- Kirsten Dunst (her role in bring it on was a natural fit!)
- Megan Fox
- Cameron Diaz
- Miley Cyrus
- Ronald Regan
- George W. Bush
- Madonna
Yes, two former U.S. presidents were also cheerleaders during their college years!