By Madison Montana, Contributing Writer
Amidst the spirited cheers and energetic routines that electrify Saint Leo University’s lively campus, imagine a scene where acrobatics and enthusiasm intertwine. Picture a pyramid of cheerleaders soaring high, the crowd erupting with applause. At the heart of this dynamic stunt stands Cassandra Mathieu, a freshman from New York.
With every stunt and graceful flip, Mathieu conquers the mat and embodies the spirit of cheerleading. Beyond the energy of the routine, she introduces herself with a radiant smile, a business major with ambitions that reach far beyond the classroom of Saint Leo.
“I chose Saint Leo because of the cheer team… other schools did not offer me a spot on their team, but Saint Leo did,” said Mathieu.
A cheerleader with 13 years of experience, Mathieu has participated in various positions on the mat. As a side base, she plays a significant role, describing it as “the muscle of a stunt group.” Her responsibilities as a side base involve throwing and catching the flyer’s foot, a task demanding both strength and focus.
Additionally, she is a tumbler for the team, the acrobatic powerhouse responsible for jaw-dropping flips. Mathieu emphasizes the physical challenges of tumbling, doing double the work compared to non-tumblers. However, her favorite memory transcends positions.
“During my junior year of high school, going to NCA nationals (National Cheer Association – the biggest cheer competition) and performing the best routine of my life, that achievement shaped me into the person I am today,” she reflects.
For Mathieu, cheerleading is more than a hobby or a job; it is her future.
“Cheer has given me purpose in life, pushing me to be the best physically and mentally,” she said.
Mathieu’s mom is her biggest supporter, as she has supported her from a young age and helps make her dreams a reality. Additionally, her father’s stepmom encouraged her the most to continue this journey.
“She lived in Texas, where all-star cheer is more popular than in New York, convincing me to join a half-year team.”
There Mathieu found her joy for cheer and knew that is what she wanted to continue doing with her life.
Mathieu’s cheerleading journey goes beyond flips and stunts; it is about her dream of opening a cheer gym for future cheerleaders. Her story exemplifies how following one’s passions can inspire others, urging everyone to support and empower the dreams of the next generation.
“I want to give the next generation the opportunity to find that passion and desire for cheerleading that I had growing up,” she explains.
Mathieu envisions a space where young athletes can thrive and learn, much like the environment that molded her.
Mathieu understands there are challenges in opening a cheer gym and making it a success.
“I get hope by thinking about how many kids I can make happy by teaching them new skills and winning,” she shares.
Her concerns center on the struggle to attract passionate athletes to her gym. She elaborates on reaching teenage audiences through social media. She also states to get an appeal from the parents, she would hire appropriate and experienced coaches. She acknowledges that safety is the top priority.
Mathieu has the spirit of cheerleading, where dedication, passion, and dreams come together. From her earliest memory to envisioning a future of athletes like herself. As Mathieu continues to conquer the mat, her vision for the future shines bright well after her time at Saint Leo.
