As a sophomore in high school, Mia Jones is already balancing more than most teens her age. She is not only a committed student but also a dedicated athlete, cheering for her school while simultaneously competing in a dance outside of school. Managing two demanding sports takes strength, discipline, and passion, and Jones carries all three.
Her journey into cheerleading began with her desire to explore new things and to challenge herself. “My abilities from the sport I do outside of school and doing something new inspired me, especially to become more of an outgoing person who does something different and meets new people,” she shared. That leap into cheer has become a defining part of her life, and now, in her second year, Jones has embraced both the physical and social sides of the sport.
As a flyer, Jones plays one of the most visible and demanding roles in cheerleading. Flyers are the athletes lifted and tossed into the air during stunts and their job requires not only strength and control but, also confidence. “I enjoy it because when being a flyer, you must ensure you are staying strong and doing everything right, but also look confident while performing,” she explained. “In cheer, no matter what position you are in, you have to work with your teammates to have success, so that makes it truly enjoyable as well.”
One of Jones’s most memorable experiences in cheer was her competition season last year. “It was full of hard, fun, productive, unproductive, bonding, laughing, and conditioning practices,” she recalled. Despite the ups and downs, her team won first place at every competition they had entered, which reflects their dedication. Whether it was sweaty indoor sessions or chilly outdoor practices in the dark, every moment became something special shared with her teammates, who became family.
With her success in cheerleading, Jones believes it starts with commitment. “Having the spirit and motivation to fully commit to anything and everything you are expected to accomplish is key,” she says. This mindset also helps and guides her before her performances. Mentally, she focuses on staying positive and confident. “I make sure I have a smile on my face all day and not a single ounce of doubt in myself.” Physically, she prioritizes proper nutrition and hydration to stay strong during routines.
Even with her dedication, Jones has faced significant challenges. One of the toughest has been balancing the demands and cheer and competitive dance, both time-consuming and overall very intense sports. “Plenty of sacrifices are made every day deciding if it is best to miss a little bit of dance to fully be at a football game,” she said. “It’s hard, but I make it work and find joy in being busy.” Injuries have also tested Jones’s limits. After tearing her ligaments in both ankles, too determined to sit out. While the recovery isn’t complete, she has learned how to manage it and continue doing what she loves the most. Jones’s inspiration is all around her, especially her coaches and teammates. “They encourage me every single day and are great examples of the kind of person and athlete I want to be,” she said. Their influence helps her stay motivated, even through the most challenging moments.
For anybody thinking about trying cheer, Jones offered some very valuable advice: “Believe in yourself! Learn how to use constructive criticism, and always know that trust is number one in this sport, so get to know your teammates.”
With her fearless attitude, strong work ethic, and love for what she does, Mia Jones is an example of how passion and perseverance can elevate you, figuratively and literally. Whether she’s flying in the air during a cheer routine or dancing for hours at the studio, Jones continues to rise, one stunt at a time.
