Photo courtesy of Kara Hoyt
Maya Howard is a senior who attends Plant City High School where she cheers for the Raiders varsity cheerleading team.
Maya Howard
How long have you been cheerleading?
I started cheer my freshman year. Trying out for PCHS cheer was such a great choice.
What’s your favorite thing about cheerleading?
I have so many favorite things I love about cheerleading. I love how it forces me to be my best every day, not only for myself but for my team and dedicated coaches. I also love the friendships and camaraderie with my team, and last I love supporting PCHS with as much school spirit as possible.
Do you and your team have any pre-game rituals before you cheer?
Our program rituals are all eating together on a Friday night, home games and then going to friends to all get ready for the games together. We have a lot of fun and make great memories.
What’s your favorite thing about your team at PCHS?
My favorite thing about our team is that we hold ourselves to very high standards. Our coaches and parents have high expectations and believe in our ability to be the best. Their support and our support for one another is a great feeling of pride.
If you could eat from one place for a week straight, what would you pick and why?
I would have to choose two places, Smoothie King for the protein shakes and Smoothie Shack for the açai bowls.
If you could give advice to someone wanting to cheerlead for the first time, what advice would you give them?
I would tell them “Just do it.” Yes, there will be ups and downs and a lot of hard work, but in the end, it is all worth it. It makes school so much more fun, and your teammates and coaches will be friends who will feel like family for life.
Has cheerleading taught you any life lessons? If so, what?
Cheer has taught me so many life lessons! Persistence would probably be the strongest lesson. Cheer has taught me to work hard, sacrifice, and never give up on your dreams. It has proven to me that dedication and commitment pay off in the end.
If you’re not cheerleading, what are you doing in your free time?
In my free time, which isn’t a whole lot during comp season, I like to go to the beach, shop, and hang out with my friends. Lately, we have visited a couple of colleges, which has been a blast and has us so excited for our next chapter.
Who’s someone you want to see at the Strawberry Festival this year?
Parker McCollum! I have been to two of his “Burn It Down” concerts. He puts on a great show, and it would be so cool to see him at the strawberry festival!
What are your favorite songs to get hyped up for game day?
“All of the lights” (Kanye West)
“Moment 4 Life” (Nicki Minaj)
