Chloe Shinneman
Photo courtesy of Sofia Varon
Chloe Shinneman is a senior at Plant City High School and just recently made the University of Florida Gators cheerleading team. Join us as we interview her and all her recent news!
What is your favorite memory you have from cheer?
My favorite memory I have from cheer would have to be winning states my sophomore year.
What makes the sport so special to you?
The camaraderie and teamwork involved in cheerleading make it special to me. It’s not just about individual performance but about supporting and lifting each other up as a team.
How long have you been
cheerleading?
I’ve been consistently cheerleading for six years. There was a brief introduction to cheer when I was really young. I moved on to try other sports and realized how much I loved cheer.
How was your experience at college tryouts?
The college tryouts were intense but exciting. It was a great opportunity to showcase my training and meet new people.
Who or what inspired you the most to try out for college cheer?
My cheer coaches and the college cheerleaders I looked up to inspired me to try out for college cheer. Their dedication and passion for the sport motivated me to pursue it at the next level.
How do you stay trained? How did you prepare for college tryouts?
I stay trained by practicing regularly, attending camps, and focusing on my endurance. Leading up to college tryouts, I worked even harder by spending time at the gym working one-on-one to improve my tumbling, which was important coming from a non-tumbling team.
What are you going to miss the most about high school?
I’ll miss the close bonds I’ve formed with my high school teammates and the excitement of representing my school at competitions and games.
What advice would you give to a little kid who wants to join a cheer team for the first time?
I would advise them to work hard, stay positive, and always support their teammates. Cheerleading is about teamwork and perseverance, so never give up and always strive to improve.
What’s your go-to “hype song” to get you ready for a cheer competition or game day?
Some of my go-to hype songs are “Unwritten” by Natasha Benningfeild, “Run This Town” by JAY-Z, and “Can’t Hold Us” by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis. These songs always get me pumped up and ready to perform.