THE EVOLUTION OF CHEERLEADING

Cheerleading has undergone a dramatic transformation over the past few decades. What was once viewed as a spirited group of girls on the sidelines— waving pompoms, shouting chants, and encouraging the crowd—is now recognized as a demanding athletic pursuit requiring intense physical training, technical skill, and unwavering mental toughness.

Gone are the days when cheerleaders were simply crowd motivators in pleated skirts. Today’s cheerleaders spend five to six days a week training like any other sports team. They practice advanced tumbling passes, intricate stunts, and synchronized choreography that demand strength, flexibility, and teamwork. It’s no exaggeration to say that many of the stunts performed today would have once been seen only under a circus tent or on a gymnastics floor.

Few people understand this evolution better than Allie Mitchell, owner of Cheaha Cheer and Tumble—a local training center that has become a second home for many of the area's rising stars in the sport. Mitchell, herself a lifelong cheerleader, has watched the shift unfold firsthand.

“From the uniforms to the responsibilities of a cheerleader to the skills performed, cheerleading is vastly different from cheerleading three decades ago,” Mitchell said. “School cheerleaders now have a much different role and expectation in schools.”

In the past, cheerleaders focused primarily on school spirit—cheering for football and basketball games. Today, they juggle a growing list of responsibilities including supporting multiple sports, organizing pep rallies, leading homecoming events, and representing their schools at community functions. Many squads now also compete at high-stakes state and national competitions, where the intensity and level of skill rivals any other sport. All of this is in addition to being held to the same academic standards as the athletes for whom they cheer.

“The diligence, discipline, physical agility and strength that cheerleaders display—especially those teams that compete—hands down, qualify students in our sports as athletes—very tough athletes at that!” Mitchell emphasized. ateam work daily to shape these athletes—not just for competition, but for college and life beyond.

“At Cheaha Cheer and Tumble, we strive to provide a safe and positive environment for anyone with a desire to learn to tumble or cheer. As athletes progress, they are required to face fears, believe in themselves, work super hard, and keep pushing when things get tough,” Mitchell said. “They have grit, and they face reallife scenarios with their teammates that prepare them for creating new relationships, moving off to college, and their future careers.”

To anyone who still questions whether cheerleading is a sport, Mitchell encourages them to take a closer look. “We can show them their strength & conditioning plans, practice schedules, a list of their responsibilities, and a few videos from the Alabama High School Athletic Association’s State Cheer Competition and they will surely disagree with the former opinion!”

In today’s world, cheerleaders aren’t just leading cheers—they’re leading the way. And thanks to places like Cheaha Cheer and Tumble, they’re being equipped not only to succeed on the mat, but in life.

“Cheerleaders are tough, brilliant, and the most dedicated people you'll ever find,” Mitchell said. “We are honored that so many of our local cheerleaders call Cheaha Cheer and Tumble home.”

High School Football Alabama’s “After the Game” is pleased to partner with Cheaha Cheer and Tumble this football season to recognize and honor these hard working teams. Look for our Cheaha Cheer and Tumble Cheer Squad of the Week each Friday night on After the Game, beginning at 10 PM! ★