Sydney Bales is a senior at Bixby High School and is a base on the Spartan Cheer Team. She recently spoke with VYPE Magazine about her senior year, preparation for regionals, and her outlook on the future.

VYPE: What are the main qualities required to be a cheerleader?

Sydney: Two major qualities that make someone a cheerleader in my opinion would be teamwork and dedication. Cheerleading is a team sport in which you need everyone who’s on mat. For example, it takes four people to do their job and hit a stunt, not just one. Therefore teamwork is huge for cheer. You also have to have a great amount of dedication in order to have success since the main way to get better in cheer is through reps and hard work.

VYPE: What is your favorite aspect of the sport?

Sydney: My favorite aspect of cheer has to be stunting for sure. There’s so many different skills in stunting that you can always improve in some way, which means stunting never gets old. 

VYPE: When did you first start cheer and what inspired you to start?

Sydney: I first started cheer with the Tuttle Tigers. Then I moved to Bixby and have continued cheering for the Spartans for the past five years. The thing that inspired me the most to become a cheerleader had to be my best friends at my old school. I’m extremely grateful for that push to start cheer because it led me to some of the best memories of my life. 

VYPE: Do you have any goals this year in cheer, academics, or other activities?

Sydney: My main goal this year as a team is to hit zero at regionals and state like we did last year. My personal goal would include being a great leader for my team throughout the whole season. 

VYPE: Do you have anyone that inspires you or you consider a role model?

Sydney: I would definitely like to thank the seniors from last year for being great role models to look up to. I’ve learned countless things from them that have shaped me into the person I am today. I’m absolutely honored to follow in their footsteps by leading the team. The lower classmen on the team also greatly inspire me to be a great role model for them as well. 

VYPE: Is there a particular competition or event that you’re excited for this season?

Sydney: Actually right now we’re preparing for state. We have regionals this Saturday and we’re very excited to show everyone what we’ve been working on these past couple of months. We also compete in Florida at UCA later on in the season in February, which is always so exciting because we get to see such outstanding talent from teams all over. Since it’s my senior year I’m trying to soak up every second of competing with my team! 

VYPE: What are your plans after high school?

Sydney: After high school I plan to either attend the University of Oklahoma or the University of Arkansas to further my academics.