Team Spirit

LAKEWOOD RANCH — Four years ago, Tiffany Elder walked into a whole new world.

Girls were flying through the air. Spirit sticks were being tossed around. And new friendships were forming.
It was the first day of cheerleading camp, and Elder was completely in awe.

“It was so exciting,” Elder said. “It was like a whole new world, especially being a freshman in high school.”

But it wasn’t just her new teammates that captured Elder’s attention that week. Elder was also impressed by the friendliness and positive demeanor of the Universal Cheer Association staff.

And as she walked away from her first cheerleading camp experience, Elder wondered if there was a way that she too could someday motivate future cheerleaders.

Elder continued to harbor a desire to get involved with the UCA, and after getting in contact with the UCA Southeast Director, the Lakewood Ranch senior decided to tryout.

On Feb. 27, Elder went to the University of Central Florida and completed a nine-hour evaluation and interview process. She learned a cheer and a dance, which she later performed, and also was evaluated on her standing tumbling.

Elder was one of 20 girls and boys selected to move on to the interview phase. After completing a rigorous interview process, Elder received a folder and was told she was one of 15 cheerleaders selected for the UCA’s Florida staff.

“I just sat there smiling,” said Elder, the first Lakewood cheerleader to make UCA staff. “I just thought ‘Oh my gosh.’ My mom (Mia) was out in the waiting room, and I could see her peaking in the window.

“It’s so unbelievable,” she said. “I’m graduating and on the UCA staff. It’s so surreal, but I’m really excited about the future.”

As a member of the UCA staff, Elder will spend six weeks this summer working cheerleading camps across the country. During the four- to six-day camps, Elder and the rest of the UCA staff will teach younger cheerleaders the basics of cheerleading, proper stunting technique and how to stay safe, among other aspects, while motivating them and encouraging them to stay positive throughout the year.

“It’s a summer job, but for me it’s not a job — it’s fun,” Elder said.

A childhood baton twirler, Elder decided to try out for the Lakewood cheerleading squad her freshman year as a way to be a part of a team.

“Cheerleading opened so many doors,” Elder said. “It allowed me to build new friendships and do something I really enjoy with girls who are as positive as I am.

“I gained 20-plus sisters who are always there for me, and I built friendships that I really do believe I’ll have for the rest of my life,” she said.

Elder cheered for the Mustangs each of the past four years, and on Feb. 28 the team held its cheerleading banquet, signaling the end of the season.

“I’m like speechless about it,” Elder said of completing her career as a Mustang. “It’s so sad. It’s been such a good experience. … It’s hard to see that time has gone by so fast. It’s just hard.”

Following her stint with UCA this summer, Elder plans to try out for the Florida Gulf Coast University cheerleading squad when she starts college in August.

“It would be a dream come true,” Elder said. “It’s been so fun, and now I’m about to graduate. … I’m just so excited to maybe have the opportunity to be a college cheerleader.

“It would be awesome,” she said. “I know my mom would be proud.”

Contact Jen Blanco at [email protected].