Carl Albert High School senior Liz Velasco was hooked on cheer as young as 10 years old.

“I got a trampoline for my birthday and wanted to do flips and tricks like the high school cheerleaders could,” Velasco said, “so I asked my mom to sign me up for a tumbling class at a cheer gym. As I progressed in my skills, I had began to fall in love with the sport, always striving to better my skills and build my character as a cheerleader!”

Since then, Velasco has participated in seven years of “tryouts, game days, team bondings, cheer competitions and much more.” She’s looking forward to year eight.

“I’m squeezing every moment out of it,” Velasco said. “It has been a part of my life for so long now and I know it will be hard to let go of it!”

Velasco also plays golf and rows in the spring. The 17-year old has cheered with most of her teammates since that tryout in the sixth grade.

“We have been together every summer, fall, winter and spring season. We have all been constantly connected and it’s built up really strong relationships within the group! My teammates and I do everything we can to support each other, in the good and bad times, and it makes all of us feel super grateful and thankful for each other,” Velasco said. “My teammates are there to support me while competing for one of the other sports I play, and I do the same for them. IT’s great group of support and love!”

It’s “very meaningful” to Velasco to conclude her high school cheer career with the same teammates she started with. Her goal for this year is to set an example for her younger teammates.

“I’ve had great leaders throughout middle school and high school years, and I want to be a good role model for all the other girls behind me,” Velasco said.

After she graduates high school, Velasco aspires to go to college to become a dermatologist.

“I’d love to help others feel comfortable in their own skin and also learn all the reasons why different things happen to the skin,” Velasco said.