By Derrick Smith
Cheerleading is more than just showing up on the sideline to a sporting event and cheering on the team and keeping the crowd involved. There is a lot of preparation and hard work that goes into it. Olivia Tedesco says that success in cheer is earned the same way it is in other team sports.
“There are several things that contribute to success in cheerleading,” she said. “But a few that are important to me are commitment, teamwork, and perseverance. Being successful in cheerleading is extremely dependent upon your ability to work with others, as well as being willing to try things over and over again until you can make it hit.”
Tedesco is a junior at Norman High School where she is a side base and tumbler on the cheer team. While she has been cheerleading for three years, she was involved in gymnastics previous to that. Her familiarity with gymnastics gave her an upper hand when she decided to cheer.
Throughout her life, Olivia has had numerous people that have been influential in her life, but she says that none were more so than her parents.
“My parents are truly my biggest inspiration,” she said. “They set a daily example of what it looks like to love, serve, and encourage others. They are kind, generous, and two of the most hardworking people I know. They have selflessly supported me through my years of gymnastics and cheerleading-driving me to practices, cheering me on at competitions, and encouraging me through the rough spots. I would not be who I am today without my parents, and I aspire to be like them each and every day.”
There have been some memorable moments for Tedesco and her teammates, but she says that there is one moment that she will never forget.
“The highlight moment of my high school cheer career was definitely when we won the 2021 STUNT state championship. This was really special because it was the first state championship Norman High cheer had ever won!”
Along with cheer, Olivia is also a member of the student council, the National Honor Society, and she also leads worship at her church.
