Cheerleading is a sport like no other. It is one very few people understand, but it is valued so much by all of its members. From the outside, cheerleaders are viewed as strictly sideline, primped and groomed until perfection. Don't get me wrong, we love being on sideline and supporting our sports teams and no, that hair and makeup does not happen in five minutes, but cheerleading is so much more than that.

We are athletes. We workout morning and night until our bodies ache and then we workout some more. We stretch until we are flexible enough and lift until we are strong enough to flip our bodies around and throw girls above our heads. Cheerleading is not for just anyone.

Here are 7 ways cheerleading has changed my life:

1. It was the first sport where I felt like I belonged

Coming from an athletic family, it was expected that I try new sports and always be involved in something. I enjoyed every sport I tried whether it was soccer, ice skating, softball, or dance. Yet, when I started cheerleading, everything changed. I was a part of something so real. It was challenging and demanding, and like nothing I had ever done before. I felt at home from my very first practice over eight years ago and have felt the same way ever since.

2. I learned the true meaning of a team

I had never experienced a true team sport until I started cheerleading. Every sport had always felt so individual. For instance, if I missed a practice or a game, there was always someone next in line to replace me. Yet, with cheerleading, if I missed a practice the entire routine was off. The pyramid could not go, my stunt group could not practice, and there was a hole in every formation. Cheerleading requires 110% effort and attendance each and every day. You begin to rely on one another, and you gain a sense of trust and respect for your team.

3. I gained motivation and determination

One of the biggest lessons I have learned is that your spot on the team is never permanent. You constantly have to be learning new skills and improving, and that is not always the easiest task. It requires creating and keeping sight of goals, and remembering your purpose. There are limited positions available on any team, so it comes down to who will work the hardest and earn the spot.

4. I learned the importance of nutrition and exercise

No, this is not to look good in a uniform, though that may be a plus. Cheerleading consists of stunting, tumbling, cheering, and jumping. Cheerleaders must be able to be on the mat for two minutes and thirty seconds while flipping their bodies, lifting, holding, and throwing flyers above their heads, doing a jump sequence, and ending with a fast-moving dance. All of this has to be in perfect sync. The endurance and strength necessary for this sport is like no other and requires cheerleaders to be in the best shape and health they can possibly be.

5. I learned how to be a leader

I have been on many different teams and have watched my captains over the years. Part of being a great leader is giving constant support and positivity to your team members, which is easy to do when you love what you do. I learned to always see the good in everyone, and to keep a smile on my face. It keeps people going and encourages them to work harder than they did the day before.

6. I learned how to get through the long season

Like I said, I really love what I do, but I still have a long season to get through. My official season goes from August-April, other teams go longer others while others go less. We workout, we run, we take tumbling classes, we stunt, we stretch, and we continue to support each other every day of the year. I wouldn't say it is difficult to make cheerleading your entire life, but it is trying to keep it that way, especially when you are training months before you actually compete. This goes back to having personal motivation and determination as well as relying on your teammates to get through the tough times.

7. I learned to overcome the stereotype

I have actually been very lucky in my life to have supportive peers, friends, and family that respect and admire what I do. But for many other cheerleaders, they are subject to constant criticism for their passion. Statements like, "You know, the team does not need you there to win," or, "Cheerleading is not and will never be a sport, anyone could do it," or, "Cheerleaders are stuck up and drama-filled girls," are made everyday. It is extremely unfortunate because in my experience, cheerleaders are any sports team's biggest fans. They attend more games than any one else and will always be there supporting. By definition, a sport is an activity involving physical exertion and skill in which an individual or team competes against another or others. As for character, I have seen 'stuck up and drama-filled' athletes in any sport. I have been on many different teams over the years and they have been filled with some of the most incredible boys and girls that I have ever met.

Cheerleading has changed my life in so many ways. I am blessed to be able to continue cheering at the college level, a chance that not everyone is given.

No one should ever shame another person for what they love to do. So here's to loving and embracing whatever you are involved in and to respecting another person's passions.