Whether you have been a cheerleader since you were a little girl or started cheerleading in high school, it is many cheerleaders' goal to become the captain of a squad. Aside from recognition and respect from your peers, the cheer captain works alongside coaches to create new cheers and routines. With a large number of talented girls likely on your squad, becoming cheer captain is going to require dedication and motivation.
Step 1
Show your interest in becoming cheer captain. Talk to the coaches of your cheerleading squad and find out the qualities they are looking for in a captain. Additionally, attend all summer practices and conditioning sessions to show your dedication to cheerleading and your squad.
Step 2
Volunteer to help coach a youth cheerleading squad in your area. Show initiative and that you can be a leader by helping young cheerleaders learn to cheer, dance, tumble and build stunts.
Step 3
Know all cheers and dances your squad performs. Cheer captains need to be able to teach. Therefore, you need to know everything there is to know about the dances and cheers your squad performs.
Step 4
Maintain a positive attitude. Always have a smile on your face and never get discouraged.
Step 5
Stay away from team gossip. It is the captain's role to maintain a neutral position when it comes to team trauma. Maintain a positive and upbeat attitude with all of the members of your squad.
Step 6
Maintain good grades in school. To be a leader, you need to be a leader on and off the field or court. Check with your coaches or school -- you may be required to maintain a certain GPA to be a team leader.
Step 7
Pay close attention to how the current captain presents herself. Pay attention to how she interacts with coaches and other cheerleaders.
Step 8
Show initiative. If your current captain is sick or injured, step up and take the lead until she returns.
References
- "The Ultimate Guide to Cheerleading"; Leslie Wilson; July 1, 2003
- "Developing a Successful Cheerleading Program"; Pam Headridge and Nancy Garr; Oct. 2004
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