Kyndal Shannon, Scholar Athlete of the Week

Kyndal Shannon, East Nashville Magnet High School Cheerleader
Posted on 10/22/2021
KS1, East Nashville High

This week’s Scholar Athlete of the Week is Kyndal Shannon of East Nashville Magnet High School. This cheerleader serves as the captain of her squad and holds a 3.6 grade-point average. This energetic Eagle shares her love for cheering and why peopel should view it as sport.

“When I first arrived at East High as the cheer coach, Kyndal was the first friendly face I met,” says Carrion McNeal, cheerleading coach. “She displayed such leadership and eagerness to show me her Eagle spirit. She is a great asset to me and the squad as a whole.”

Who inspired you to start cheerleading?
KS: My parents were instrumental in my cheerleading as well as anything that I set out to try. I have been cheering since I was 6 years old, and they both inspired me to try the sport and see if that is something I would like to continue. Throughout my years of cheerleading, along with my parents, my cheer k. Shannon3 coaches motivated and encouraged me to continue cheering. They also provide various techniques and advice to perfect my skills.  

What do you like best about your sport?
KS: One of the best things about being a cheerleader is the sisterhood that we have formed as a team. We spend a lot time with each other through practices, games and sometimes classes; you cannot help but become a small family.

What is your most memorable moment while cheering?
KS: The most memorable cheerleading moment is winning first place overall at the Universal Cheerleaders Association camp. Coach McNeal was supportive and helped make this occasion amazing.

Many would say that cheerleading is not a sport; what would you say to correct that stereotype?
KS: No matter what people say, cheerleading is most definitely a sport. I would correct that stereotype by explaining that certain skills take years of training and practice. We work hard and put in just as many hours as other sports. The flips, the tumbling, hand movements may look easy, but cheerleading is not as easy as it looks. 

 Do you plan to take cheerleading to the collegiate level?
KS: If granted the opportunity to further my cheerleading on a collegiate level, I will definitely cheer on the collegiate level.

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