An Email Interview
Ryan Martin Ryan is the current UAB Spirit Coordinator and a former University of Alabama cheerleader. A Team USA 3-time Gold Medalist, Ryan is originally from Lexington, KY.
On July 9, at 8:04 a.m. info@abouttownsite.com wrote:
Tell us about your cheerleading career and what it was like being on the reality TV show “Cheerleader Nation” Ryan Martin wrote:
Since my mother is a high school cheerleading coach, I have grown up around cheerleading, and almost every major moment in my life has been tied to cheerleading in some way. Being featured on LifeTime’s “Cheerleader Nation” was one of the best experiences of my life! It also opened up a lot of doors for me and inspired me to pursue a journalism degree in college. On July 10, at 8:55 a.m. info@abouttownsite.com wrote:
Would you consider yourself and cheerleaders everywhere role models? Ryan Martin wrote:
Absolutely. One of the main roles of a cheerleader is to be an ambassador for the school you represent and to positively represent cheerleading to the rest of the world! On July 13, at 2:04 p.m. info@abouttownsite.com wrote:
What would you say to parents or young girls who are interested in high school or competition cheerleading? Ryan Martin wrote:
Being a cheerleader is the best decision I ever made! I believe cheerleading prepares you better for the “real world” more than most activities because of the many roles you play! You are an ambassador, a leader, an entertainer, an athlete and you are learning the true value of teamwork. There are so many great gyms in Birmingham with opportunities to take classes without fully committing to a team until you are sure! On July 14, at 11:02 a.m. info@abouttownsite.com wrote:
Do you consider cheerleading to be a sport? What would you say to those who don’t see cheerleading as a competitive sport? Ryan Martin wrote:
Definitely not because cheerleading is MORE than a sport! The purpose of a sport is solely competition, but competitive cheerleaders have many more responsibilities. We are leaders, role models, ambassadors, entertainers, and athletes. If we focused solely on competition, we wouldn’t be doing our number one job, which is to support and represent our school! Cheerleading is absolutely an athletic activity and requires tremendous mental and physical strength, but it is not a “sport.” On July 15, at 10:01 a.m. info@abouttownsite.com wrote:
Explain some of the risks and potential dangers of participating in cheerleading. Ryan Martin wrote:
“Research shows that cheerleading has experienced a major reduction in injuries in recent years, thanks to increased regulation and coach training. The rates of severe injuries from cheerleading are similar to other high school sports, including soccer, basketball, gymnastics and lacrosse, and were lower than those for football, field hockey, ice hockey, baseball and wrestling.” - from cheersafe.org/research/ On July 15, at 1:16 p.m. info@abouttownsite.com wrote:
What has been the most challenging aspect of cheerleading for you? Ryan Martin wrote:
Each day presents a new challenge for me as a coach. As an athlete, I think there were always physical and mental challenges to overcome, but I was very determined and a hard worker - I still am! Coaching has truly pushed me and taught me a lot about myself and inspired me to keep learning every day to be the best I can be.
ABOUT
18 T O W N