Featured Athlete: Natashya Ntuk
Grade: 12 | Sport: Cheer
January 12, 2021
Wingspan: When did you start cheer?
Ntuk: “I started cheering in 7th grade.”
Wingspan: Who encouraged you to start cheer?
Ntuk: “There wasn’t anything someone said specifically that made me want to start cheer, it was more of me going to cheer clinics at Liberty when I was in elementary school that made me want to be a cheerleader later on.”
Wingspan: What is the hardest part about cheer?
Ntuk: “For me it’s having consistent energy and pep because some days I’m just not in the best mood, but I can’t let that show on my face when I’m cheering because it’s really noticeable when someone’s faking a smile or not smiling at all.”
Wingspan: What’s your favorite part about cheer?
Ntuk: “Definitely my teammates because we’re always uplifting one another and there’s never a dull moment during practice because of them.”
Wingspan: Do you have a pre game or competition routine?
Ntuk: “I don’t really have a routine for pre-games or competitions.”
Wingspan: Who is your biggest role model?
Ntuk: “My biggest role model would probably be my parents because they’re always encouraging me to go after what I want and strive for bigger opportunities.”
Wingspan: What is one thing people think about cheer that isn’t actually true?
Ntuk: “I think some people believe that cheerleaders are enthusiastic and bubbly 80% of the time, but in reality we are susceptible to more than just 2 emotions. Just because we’re smiling doesn’t mean we’re happy, and just because we cheer and perform in front of a crowd doesn’t mean we don’t have insecurities.”

Harley Classe is a sophomore starting her first year with Wingspan. She loves spending time with her friends and family as well as her two cats. She was...
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