Samira Esparza (12) is a new addition to the Los Banos Cheer team.  Having recently joined the team this year, she is quickly adapting and loving her new sport.

Esparza found it to be the perfect time to try out for the cheer team. “I’ve always wanted to try out but I was scared to,” she admitted.

As many people can relate, beginning a new sport can feel overwhelming, but with senior year approaching, she realized it was now or never. “You know I thought, it’s senior year so I might as well try out.” This shift in mindset is what ultimately led her to try out. 

Despite her initial fears, she quickly fell in love with the sport. When asked if she enjoyed cheering she stated, “Yah, I love it.”

 For her, the satisfaction of being able to remember different kinds of cheers to perform on the sidelines and hitting stunts during halftimes became one of her favorite parts of it all. 

Esparza also expressed that the lasting friendships that she has been able to make with the other girls on the team has been one of the most rewarding aspects of the whole experience.  “Being able to push myself to hit stunts and remembering cheers, and being a part of something, and being able to be friends with all the girls, it’s all been amazing.” 

Since Esparza had never participated in a sport before, trying out for cheer was a big step out of her comfort zone.  When asked about offering advice to other girls who might be interested in joining the cheer team she said, “Do it. If you think you won’t make it, do it anyway. Be confident in yourself.” 

When she first began cheering, Esparza shared that something she struggled with was getting used to the new schedule.  She had to account for practice and games.  All of these events became a big change in routine for her.

However as her senior year progresses, she is determined to make the most of her experience. Although the Tigers are currently on a bye-week, you can see Samira Esparza cheering them on at their next home game on October 4 against El Capitan.