It’s usually a Tuesday. Or maybe a Wednesday morning after a grueling practice session where half the squad is nursing a bruised ego and the other half is taping up ankles that have seen better days. That’s when it happens. The coach steps forward, the music cuts out, and the cheerleader of the week is announced. It sounds small. Honestly, to an outsider, it might even sound like one of those participation trophies people love to complain about. But if you’ve ever been under those stadium lights or felt the literal weight of a person standing on your shoulders while you try to keep a smile plastered on your face, you know it's something else entirely. It’s about being seen in a sport that often makes individuals invisible for the sake of the "look."
Most people think cheerleading is just pom-poms and high kicks. They're wrong. It’s a high-stakes, high-injury-rate athletic endeavor that demands the precision of a Swiss watch and the toughness of a linebacker. When a team recognizes a specific athlete with a weekly title, they aren't just rewarding a good toe-touch. They’re highlighting the "glue" player—the one who stayed late to help a teammate learn the stunt sequence or the base who didn't let their flyer hit the floor even when their own wrist was screaming in protest.
👉 See also: Why Getting a Birdie in Golf Still Feels Like Magic
The Psychology Behind the Recognition
Why do we even do this? Humans are hardwired for status and recognition. In a team environment, especially one as synchronized as cheer, individual excellence can get lost. You’re supposed to move as one. You’re supposed to look identical. The cheerleader of the week award breaks that mold for just a second to say, "Hey, we saw you."
Psychologists often talk about "positive reinforcement," but it's deeper than a textbook definition. It creates a culture of healthy competition. When Sarah sees that Megan got the nod because she mastered her back handspring-full, Sarah doesn't just get jealous—usually, she gets motivated. It sets a tangible benchmark. It’s not about being the "best" in some vague, unreachable way; it’s about who worked the hardest this week. That distinction is vital. It makes success feel attainable.
Real Stories from the Sidelines
Take a look at how major programs handle this. Whether it’s a massive D1 university like the University of Kentucky or a small-town high school in rural Texas, the tradition varies wildly. At some schools, the winner gets a specific bow to wear in their hair all week. At others, it’s a literal trophy or a social media shoutout on the team’s official Instagram.
I remember talking to a former flyer from a top-tier California program. She told me that for three years, she never won. She was "consistent," but never "outstanding." Then, during her senior year, she spent four hours on a Saturday morning helping a freshman overcome a mental block on a basket toss. On Monday, she was named cheerleader of the week. She didn't win for her skills; she won for her leadership. That’s the nuance that most people miss. This isn't a talent show. It’s a character study.
Breaking Down the Criteria
What does it actually take to get picked? It’s rarely just about the tumbling. Coaches look for a mix of things that usually fall into these buckets:
- The "Workhorse" Mentality: Are you the first one on the mat and the last one off? Coaches notice the kid who drags the heavy mats out without being asked.
- Skill Progression: This is big. If you’ve been struggling with a standing tuck for months and you finally stick it on Friday, you’re a prime candidate. It’s about the journey, not just the destination.
- Spirit (The Real Kind): Not the fake, "I’m smiling because I have to" kind. The kind where you’re losing 42-0 in a freezing rainstorm and you’re still leading the crowd because that’s your job.
- Academic Excellence: Many high school programs tie the cheerleader of the week title to grades. If you’re killing it in AP Physics and still hitting your stunts, you’re getting that shoutout.
The Social Media Factor
We have to talk about Instagram and TikTok. In 2026, the "digital" cheerleader of the week is a massive part of a program's branding. Schools like Navarro or TVCC (thanks to Netflix's Cheer) have turned individual recognition into a viral event. When a program posts a "Cheerleader of the Week" graphic, it’s not just for the team. It’s for the recruiters. It’s for the community. It’s a way to show that the program values its athletes as individuals.
But there’s a downside. Sometimes, it becomes a popularity contest. You’ve probably seen it—the same three girls get picked over and over because they have the most followers or the flashiest tumbling. A good coach knows how to bypass the "flash" and find the "substance." They find the base who has bruises on their arms but hasn't complained once. That’s who actually deserves the title.
Dealing With the "Non-Winners"
It’s tough. You work your tail off and someone else gets the bow. It stings. But that’s actually one of the most important lessons the cheerleader of the week tradition teaches: resilience.
Sports aren't always fair. Life isn't always fair. Learning to clap for your teammate when you wanted the prize yourself is a massive part of growing up. It builds "emotional intelligence," a buzzword that basically just means "not being a jerk when things don't go your way." Most former cheerleaders will tell you that the lessons they learned on the mat—handling rejection, pushing through physical pain, and supporting others—were way more valuable than the actual cheering.
How to Earn the Title (The No-Nonsense Guide)
If you’re reading this and you’re a cheerleader who feels overlooked, here is the honest truth about how to get that recognition. Stop trying to be the "best" and start being the most "indispensable."
👉 See also: The Brett Favre Family: What Most People Get Wrong About Their Life Now
Basically, you want the coach to think, "I don't know what we'd do without them."
Don't just hit your stunts; make sure your flyer feels safe. Don't just learn the choreo; know it so well that you can teach the person next to you who’s struggling. It's about the "we," not the "me." Also, honestly, check your attitude. A cheerleader who rolls their eyes when a stunt falls is never going to be cheerleader of the week, no matter how many back tucks they can do in a row.
What Coaches Are Actually Thinking
Coaches are exhausted. They’re managing 20-30 different personalities, dealing with parents, and trying to keep everyone safe. When they pick a cheerleader of the week, they are often choosing the person who made their life easier that week.
Was there a girl who organized the snack schedule? Was there a guy who stepped in to spot a different group when someone was out sick? That’s who the coach wants to reward. It’s a tool for team management. It’s a way to say, "Do more of this, please."
Practical Next Steps for Athletes and Coaches
If your team doesn't have a cheerleader of the week program, you should probably start one. It doesn't need to be fancy. It doesn't need a budget.
👉 See also: Yankees de Nueva York: Por qué el odio y la gloria van de la mano en el Bronx
- Define the "Why": Is it for skill, spirit, or service? Pick one or a mix.
- Make it Visible: Whether it’s a locker decoration or a post on the team’s GroupMe, make sure the team knows why the person won.
- Rotate the "Gift": If there’s a physical item (like a special practice shirt), pass it from winner to winner. It builds a sense of lineage.
- Keep a Log: Ensure that by the end of the season, the "unsung heroes" have all had their moment.
Recognition isn't just about vanity. It’s about fuel. A little bit of public praise can carry an athlete through weeks of grueling, thankless practice. It reminds them that the sweat and the bruises aren't for nothing. So, the next time you see a cheerleader of the week post, don't just scroll past. Realize you're looking at a week's worth of grit, leadership, and probably a whole lot of athletic talent that rarely gets the credit it deserves.
Go out there and be the teammate you’d want to cheer for. Focus on the small things, the quiet repetitions, and the way you treat the person next to you. The recognition usually follows the work, not the other way around. Keep your head up, your core tight, and your eyes on the next goal.