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Click on this PDF to learn more information, facts, and history about cheerleading.

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Click on this PDF to read more on why I believe that cheerleading is a sport.

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Click on this PDF to read my cheerleading narrative writing.

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Click here to watch a trailer on all-star cheerleaders explaining how cheer is truly.

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Click here to read alyssas interview

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Occupation: I am currently in college and majoring in computer science. I've always enjoyed coding and problem-solving!

What is your favorite memory as a Denver Nuggets Dancer? I have a few favorite memories as a Denver Nuggets Dancer, but if I had to pick one, I'd say going to Mexico for the NBA Finals Game 4 Watch Party. I had an amazing opportunity to represent the Denver Nuggets in Monterrey, Mexico. I met so many amazing people and had such a great experience!

If you could have a walk out song at a game, which song would you choose and why? If I could have a walk out song at a game, I'd probably pick anything by Megan Thee Stallion or "Coming in Hot" by Lecrae and Andy Mineo. The reason I'd pick a song from Megan Thee Stallion is due to her confidence. When I listen to Megan, I always feel like "that girl" no matter what anyone thinks or says about me. I still know my worth. The reason I'd choose "Coming in Hot" is because that's exactly what I am about to do, which is to come in hot with my performance. My game day routine is listening to Megan Thee Stallion as I drive to Ball Arena and play "Coming in Hot" right before I walk into the arena!

What is your favorite dance style to perform on the court? My favorite dance style to perform is hip hop 1000%. I do enjoy other styles such as sassy jazz, but hip hop has always been my favorite since I was a little girl. In my opinion, hard-hitting hip hop routines are super fun to perform.

What is a fun fact people may not know about you? A fun fact people may not know about me is that I like to vlog for fun. I don't have a YouTube channel or anything of that sort, but I enjoy making funny videos about what I have going on that is interesting or just to express my thoughts.

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Occupation: I am currently in college and majoring in computer science. I've always enjoyed coding and problem-solving! What is your favorite memory as a Denver Nuggets Dancer? I have a few favorite memories as a Denver Nuggets Dancer, but if I had to pick one, I'd say going to Mexico for the NBA Finals Game 4 Watch Party.

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Click here to read a poem I wrote about cheerleading.

Reflective No. 1

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Click here to read why Becca Raab believes cheerleading is a sport.

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Written by Becca Raab | Although many have different opinions, cheerleading is in fact a sport. Cheerleading is a combination of dance, gymnastics and stunting. If dance and gymnastics are considered sports, cheerleading certainly should be since it not only includes those skills but also cheers and stunts. Cheerleading has always been considered an activity or after school club,…

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What Cheerleading Is To Me - McKenzie Henderson

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What Cheerleading Is To Me - McKenzie Henderson

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Click here to read a cheerleaders point of view.

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1. To me, cheerleading is about family. We practice everyday for several hours, months on end. We spend this entire time bonding and learning with the same people everyday, which eventually leads to incredible bonds. They've got your back and you've got theirs (literally), which definitely comes in handy throughout the rest of your life.

2. To me, cheerleading is about learning patience. There comes a time in every season when the going gets tough and the tough (almost) give up. There have been many times where I couldn't land a skill, or my stunt group just wasn't hitting their stunts, and I have practically wanted to throw in the towel. Learning to take a step back, breathe, fix the problem, and move on, has helped me learn to trust the process and be persistent with myself no matter what I am going through.

3. To me, cheerleading is about physical endurance. Some people think that all we do is use pom poms and scream chants in support (or in opposition) of another team while competing, but nothing could be farther from the truth. The endless tumbling, dancing, stunting, and jumping that comprise a routine require loads of stamina, strength and practice. You can't just walk in and expect to make it through a full out with no prior practice or training. The sport has helped me to realize that every good thing comes with hard work.

4. To me, cheerleading is about leadership. It provides many people the chance to step up and set a positive mood for a long night's practice, or even a day at a competition. Positivity, discipline, hard work, and dedication are all things each athlete has to possess in order for a team to mesh well together, and this sport has taught me how to carry those things with me into the real world.

5. To me, cheerleading is about having confidence in oneself. If you don't believe you're going to throw and land that skill, you probably won't. Believing in yourself is an important element that cheerleading requires in order for you to be successful, which is also needed when transitioning to the workplace, school, and your entire life.

6. Last and certainly not least, cheerleading, to me, is a sport. The long nights, early mornings, long car rides, speedy flights, stiff hair, aching muscles, glittery shoes, and endless anticipations aren't for nothing. We bend and stretch in ways that seem impossible, and we fight hard for the things we want. With bruises and bumps, we stay headstrong until the finish, which is what we have been taught all along.After coming up with this list, I truly realize what I actually missed about cheerleading... along with the amazing uniforms, sparkly bows, and elaborate make-up. If you can relate, here's a challenge: make your own list of things you love or miss about cheerleading, and share it with your team! Spreading good cheer is something we are definitely great at so don't hesitate... Just do it!!

McKenzie Henderson

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Click here to see my collage and Reflective No 2 about cheerleading.