Behind every great athlete, stands a great coach. A coach who has poured their own heart, wisdom, and time into their team. I have been lucky enough in my high school experience to have a Coach that has gone to this extreme length to help my team (in the wise words of Coach Wagner) “Shimmer, Sparkle, and Shine.” Coach Wagner has shown ethereal dedication to my team and to the sport of cheer, that has moved me, and inspired me to be a better cheerleader.
I have been cheerleading since the age of 4. I will never forget the first time I was handed a pair of pom poms, and taught the words to a sideline cheer. I still remember the joy I felt the first time, dancing along to the music, out on the football field. Cheer is a sacred piece of my life that has consistently been with me for as long as I can remember. 13 years later, as a 17 year old high school student, I can confidently say, I have never had a Coach as dedicated, determined, and passionate as my coach, Coach Wagner.
Coach Wagner has shown an abundant amount of dedication to my team and to the sport of cheer. From early Summer mornings, in August, all the way to late after school nights in January, my coach has sacrificed so much of her own time for the success of Hawthorne High School’s team. Days, weeks, and months spent conducting team practice, attending all of our football games, basketball games, and competitions. Not to mention the work she pours in behind the scenes, beyond what can be seen. The consistent effort Coach Wagner puts in daily, along with the help from our team’s assistant coaches, Coach Mahr, and Coach Shea, to re-imagining and re-inventing our teams routines, performances, and stunts, has led us to win our first competition of the season on January 22nd.
As an athlete, having a Coach like Coach Wagner, who cares not just about the team, but about each individual athlete of hers, and their potential to grow, has been a welcoming change. From years prior, feeling like it was my job as an athlete to prove myself worthy enough to be on the team, to now, having a coach like Coach Wagner who sees your potential, and gives you the opportunities needed to grow. My Coach has shown me unwavering support, which has given me that motivation and that spark to want to be better. When I show up to practice everyday, I want to outperform myself from the day prior. I want to improve in my capabilities, I want to attempt new things, I want to show up, not just for myself, but for my team, and for my coaches. My Coach’s selfless dedication to my teammates and I has impacted me, yes, as an athlete, but even more so as a person.
Coach Wagner not only values teaching her athletes the practical skills needed to be a better cheerleader, but the skills that are needed to create a better life. It would be impossible for me to fit the thousands of lessons I have taken away from cheer practice each night, but if there is anything my coach has taught me, it is to be flexible. Be flexible, when it comes to trying new things, and attempting new challenges. Persevere through setbacks, and learn how to be flexible when it comes to working with others. Trust in those around you, as well as trust in your own abilities. When trust is established, it sets the foundation for success. By practicing the act of flexibility and trusting in my Coach and her belief in me, I have reached a new level of confidence I have never felt before in this sport, and in life.
Coach Wagner’s lessons have tremendously affected my attitude, in the way I show up and perform everyday. Coach Wagner’s endless contribution to this school’s cheer team, and to each individual student athlete, has not gone unnoticed, or unappreciated. I am grateful to have a coach who has shown extreme diligence and determination in improving our capabilities, and providing a safe place for us to enjoy the sport of cheer. Because of Coach Wagner, Hawthorne High School’s cheer team truly, “Shimmers, Sparkles, and Shines.”