VYPE: Why are you passionate about your sport?
Claudia: I am passionate about both of my sports because they have been a very big part of my life for so long. I’ve cheered since I was in sixth grade and I have always loved to dance.
VYPE: When and how did you first get into playing your sport?
Claudia: I first started cheer in sixth grade because I had just quit gymnastics because I hurt my back. I ended up doing MCYC cheer because I enjoyed staying active and cheer was pretty close to gymnastics. After that, I just fell in love with cheer and tried out in junior high and made it all three years, along with making it in high school every year.
VYPE: What has your sport taught you that you use in your daily life?
Claudia: Cheer has taught me not to be afraid of falling. Poms has taught me how to be quick on my feet. And they have both taught me to be the best person I can be.
VYPE: What teammate has left the biggest impression on you and why?
Claudia: I would have to say Kynleigh Brewer. She is a very talented cheerleader and dancer. She is strong, committed, and brave. She is a competitive cheerleader and has to do some insane stunts that I don’t know if I could ever do.
VYPE: Which professional athlete do you look up to and why?
Claudia: Simone Biles, I used to be a gymnast for a few years and she’s basically the best gymnast out there. I admire her hard work and her skills. She is extremely talented.
VYPE: What has been your favorite memory of playing?
Claudia: My favorite memory in cheer would have to be getting football homecoming queen. It was an honor and I loved every second of it. It was like a dream. In poms, it would probably have to be winning state in Large 5A Hip Hop last year. That was an incredible moment and it was so much fun.
VYPE: Who inspires you and why?
Claudia: I would have to say that my dad inspires me. He is a State Trooper and has probably one of the most difficult jobs out there. It’s dangerous, scary, and sometimes very depressing. I feel like he always tries to make people laugh or smile and is always in a goofy mood. I love how extroverted he is and how he can have a conversation with anyone. His Kindness inspires me.
VYPE: What is your favorite part about representing your high school as an athlete?
Claudia: My favorite part of representing my high school as an athlete is getting to see kids who look up to who you are and what you do. It is the best feeling when you have tons of kids run up to you and give you a hug just because they know you are a cheerleader or are on the pom squad. I love being a role model for young kids.
VYPE: Here is your chance to give a shoutout or say thank you to anyone you wish.
Claudia: I would like to thank my parents for everything they have done for me, I don’t know what I would do without them. I want to thank my sister for always being my best friend and my brother for being so kind and caring. I would like to thank my boyfriend, Chris, for loving me and staying with me for these two years, and thank his parents for loving me like I am their own. I would like to thank my best friend Jaiden for always being there for me and making me laugh. I would like to thank my cheer coach Beth for making this season the best ever. Thank you to my pom’s coach, Rachelle, for making practices so much fun. Thank you to Traci Swafford, Who is like a second mom to me and teaches me how to be an incredibly hard worker. Lastly, I would like to thank God for putting incredible people in my life and giving me amazing opportunities.
