Senior Andrea Reyes of Catoosa High School is no stranger to the cheer mat. She has been cheering since she was four years old, an impressive 14 years. Naturally flexible from a young age, one day her mom enrolled her in the same dance class as her sister,  which led her to try cheer, and the rest is history. With heart, dedication, and her great love for the sport, Andrea is ready to finish her high school journey, giving it her all.

When it comes to cheer, Andrea’s favorite part is building relationships and making friends. “We all grow so much together and have an amazing bond,” she shares. Her team encourages one another, even when challenges arise. For Andrea, the biggest challenge has been overcoming mental blocks while tumbling, but with the help of her coaches and teammates, she pushes through those difficult moments and continues to move forward.

Andrea’s siblings, Chris and Sandra, have always been her guiding lights, inspiring her to fulfill her dreams. “They are hard workers and push me to do my best, whether it’s in sports or school,” she shares. She also looks up to former competitive cheer teammates, some who have gone on to cheer at large universities. Both her siblings and friends have shown Andrea that the key to balancing everything is dedication. You have to want to succeed to succeed.

A moment Andrea will never forget came during her freshman year, when she cheered at her very first high school football game.  Unable to locate her parents in the crowd led her to tears, but looking back now, it remains a memory she’ll never forget.

In the end, wearing her school’s uniform means holding a higher standard for herself. She hopes to inspire others to cheer and follow their passions.  “No matter how much you know about cheer, do it,” she encourages. Looking ahead, Andrea hopes to continue her cheer journey in college while pursuing a degree in physical therapy.