Lily Lollar on Representing the United States in Cheer

REPRESENTING THE UNITED STATES IN CHEERLEADING: LILY’S JOURNEY TO PAN-AM AND WHERE SHE IS TODAY

My name is Lily and I am entering my 6th year of competitive cheer as a flyer on a Senior 5 Team (Phoenix) at Ace of Tuscaloosa in Alabama. I am also a Jr High Cheerleader on my school’s cheer team.

I am beginning my second year representing one of the largest cheer apparel brands in the country - Rebel Athletic as Talent. I am honored to participate in modelling shoots in the company’s beautiful athletic wear. I have had the privilege of performing stunting routines at Rebel events such as NCA in Dallas. I am a model ambassador with GiantPixel, a premier cheerleading photography company.

I was also a member of the 2024 US National Youth All-Girl Team and enjoyed competing with my team at ICU Worlds in Orlando this spring and at the ICU Pan American Cheerleading Championships in Ottawa this fall!

Why did you start cheerleading?

I have a lot of energy and wanted to be part of a team sport that included stunting and tumbling Cheerleading is the only sport I have ever participated in and I love it so much!

What are your favorite skills?

Tumbling: Running Full

Stunting Coed: Shotgun Fast-Forward

Stunting-All Girl: Back handspring double-up

When practicing difficult skills, I video my practices so I can go back and watch my tumbling and stunting progress. This helps me know what I need to change as far as technique

For those starting out in cheer, it is important to have confidence in your strengths and know your weaknesses. Do not compare yourself to anyone else Be the hardest worker in the room and always be kind and encouraging to others

What was your favorite memory from Pan Am?

My favorite memories include; traveling out of the U S for the first time and having the opportunity to spend time with teammates in Canada exploring I love the athletes on my team and my coaches from around the country Also, winning Gold at Pan Am was the best experience of my life!

Do you have something you must do before you compete?

I spend time praying alone I encourage my teammates before we head out on the mat I also walk through the routine in my head and listen to my team’s music repeatedly in the car

What is one takeaway from your experiences?

My experiences have taught me that your teammates and coaches are everything! I have the most incredible teammates that have become like family to me, they push me to be the best I can be I am so thankful for the coaches who take the time to train me and believe in my success as an athlete

Thank you, Lily, for your time and inspiring words!