Kloe Anderson just wanted to get back into cheer.
The West Ottawa graduate decided to try out for cheer at Grand Valley State, keeping her athletic career going.
It has paid off as Anderson was named a team captain for the Lakers and a National Cheerleaders Association All-American.
“Being named All-American is a big deal to me because it represents the growth, dedication, and hard work I’ve put into cheerleading over the past year,” Anderson said.
What a difference a year makes after being too intimidate to try out the year before.
“Last year, I was too nervous to even try out, so being able to step outside of my comfort zone this year and receive this honor makes it especially meaningful,” Anderson said. “It has shown me how much I’ve grown, not only as an athlete, but also in my confidence and willingness to challenge myself. It also shows the support and encouragement I’ve had from my amazing family and coaches.”
That started when she shifted from gymnastics to cheer.
“I began cheerleading after doing gymnastics for 12 years. While I loved gymnastics, I quickly realized that cheerleading was my true passion,” she said. “I loved the combination of tumbling, stunting, performance, and being part of a team. What keeps me in cheer is the feeling when all the hard work pays off. I know that I can always be better and push myself more, and the work will always be worth it.
“I’m especially grateful for my coaches and teammates, who have consistently challenged me to reach my potential and believed in me, even during moments when I doubted myself. Their support and confidence in me have played a huge role in my growth this past year.”
And the lessons continue, one day at a time.
“Being a college athlete has taught me so much about discipline, perseverance, time management, and the importance of continuously pushing myself to improve,” she said. “It can be a lot to handle on top of finishing my undergraduate degree, work, and getting ready to apply to Physician Assistant school, but I think that being a college athlete will have me prepared for anything in the future. I have gained leadership and teamwork skills that will be invaluable to me later on.”
Contact sports editor Dan D’Addona at Dan.D’Addona@hollandsentinel.com. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter @DanDAddona or Facebook @HollandSentinelSports.
This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: West Ottawa grad Kloe Anderson takes chance with GVSU cheer, makes All-American
Reporting by Dan D’Addona, Holland Sentinel / The Holland Sentinel
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Dan D'Addona, Holland Sentinel | USA TODAY Network
