Being a mom will always be my favorite job in the world. Nothing comes close to the love, chaos, and joy that come with it. It’s the one role that constantly stretches me, humbles me, and fills my heart in ways I never expected.
But this cheer season, I added a brand-new title to my life — Cheer Coach for my oldest daughter’s football cheer squad.
When I first said yes, I thought I had a pretty good handle on what I was signing up for. With four years of preschool teaching under my belt and two years of leading a Little Ninjas karate class, I figured, I’ve got this. I know how to work with kids. I know how to keep things organized and upbeat. I know how to turn chaos into fun.
Kids? Check.
Organizing activities? Check.
Keeping the energy up? Double check.
But let me tell you — coaching cheer is a whole different ball game (or should I say… football game?).
After our very first official practice, I walked away feeling drained, defeated, and questioning everything. I sat in my car that night with sore feet, a scratchy voice, and a tired heart, wondering if I’d just taken on more than I could handle. It was humbling — not because the girls weren’t wonderful, but because I realized how much I didn’t know.
Cheer isn’t just smiling and shaking pom-poms — it’s rhythm, coordination, timing, teamwork, leadership, and confidence all rolled into one. It’s learning to command attention while still keeping it fun. It’s juggling a dozen little personalities, each one with different comfort zones and strengths.
And as I sat there reflecting on that first practice, I realized something else: maybe this was exactly what I needed.
Because tonight felt different.
Practice ran smoother, the girls were more focused, and there were genuine smiles — not just from them, but from me too. I could feel us starting to click. The little sparks of teamwork, encouragement, and confidence started to shine through, and it filled me with the best kind of pride.
I’ll be honest — I wasn’t a cheerleader in high school. I didn’t grow up knowing the chants or routines or how to cue a perfect formation. So I’m learning right alongside these girls. But maybe that’s what makes this experience so special. We’re all growing together — me as a coach, them as athletes, and all of us as a team.
There’s something really beautiful about standing on the sidelines and watching a group of girls find their confidence — seeing the shy ones speak up a little louder, the uncertain ones start to believe in themselves, and the energetic ones learn how to channel that energy into something amazing. It’s not just about cheerleading. It’s about character, teamwork, and heart.
This season is going to push me, teach me, and probably exhaust me… but I’m ready for it. Because every smile, every little “We nailed it!” moment, and every time I see my daughter look up at me with that proud sparkle in her eyes, it’s all worth it.
So here’s to new challenges, loud sidelines, messy ponytails, and a whole lot of spirit.
Because sometimes the most unexpected roles end up being the ones that grow us the most — and remind us that even as moms, we’re still learning, still leading, and still finding our own kind of sparkle.
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