Netflix’s six episode documentary series, ‘Cheer’ follows the ups and downs of Navarro College’s competitive cheer squad as they work to win a coveted national title.
I know I haven’t been tossed in the air for fifteen years(!) and my professional cheer career was more the stereotypical role of appearances, hair flips and pom poms, but ‘Cheer’ director Greg Whiteley does a phenomenal job of capturing what these athletes put their minds and bodies through to achieve greatness.
In general, I believe cheer gives you the tools you need to guide you through the rest of your life. Whether it be teaching punctuality, self accountability, a positive attitude (see: Smiling Through the Pain), being a good teammate – so many life lessons can be implemented to make you successful in the real world because of cheer.
Above all else, cheer teaches you trust.
At one point, Morgan Simianer, a flyer for Navarro makes note that one would have to be “psychotic” to allow yourself to be flipped around and thrown in the air. Speaking from experience, you are literally trusting people with your lives – but because of those bonds built and underlying trust, the risk is worth the reward. I look back at some of the stuff I did; the concussions, the broken bones, the many trips to the ER, and would still do it all over again. In a heartbeat.
This sport teaches you to be fearless and roll with the punches. An injury could happen anytime to anyone (see: Sherbs) – and in business and in life, things change all the time. Cheer prepares you not to bat an eyelash when life throws you a curve ball and to truly thrive under pressure.
Even if you’ve never cheered a day in your life, I’d highly recommend watching solely for the display of athleticism in the Navarro squad.
‘Cheer’ is streaming now on Netflix.
