TEAM iC: Giving Yourself One Piece of Advice

If you could go back and give yourself one piece of advice at the start of the season, what would it be and why?

Jaya

It would be to take everything one step at a time and not overthink. A lot of stress comes from second guessing and overthinking decisions when I really just needed to step back and be grateful for all of my opportunities!

Aggie

I would tell myself to prioritize endurance training outside of practice. Improving my endurance would have elevated the quality and consistency of my practices. It’s something I will add to my workouts heading into the 2026–2027 season.

Freddie

I would say, you have no idea how far you’re about to go! So trust every practice, every correction, and every tough day—they’re building something bigger than you can see right now. When it gets hard, don’t doubt yourself; lean in, stay coachable, and keep pushing because you’re stronger than you think.

Roxie

I would tell myself to never take anything for granted. Due to an injury in January I was unfortunately not able to cheer the rest of the season. I have always loved cheering but I never realized the opportunity I had until it was gone. I am forever grateful for how the beginning of the season went and would just want myself to soak it all in.

Graham

I’d tell myself to slow down and truly take in every moment with my teammates because it all goes by faster than you think. Never take time with the people you love for granted.

Riley

One piece of advice I’d give myself from earlier this season is to focus on the moment instead of worrying about other things, like competitions in the future. This is important because giving my best effort in each rep helps me improve, while worrying about what’s to come is an easy way to get distracted. Staying consistent and patient builds success over time because small things done well adds up to big results in the long run!

Judah

If I could go back, I would tell myself to use being doubted as fuel and stop waiting for others to decide my worth, because believing in myself is what helped me grow as an athlete.

Cole

I would say make sure you take in every moment. Every good, every bad, every happy, and no matter how frustrating. Take it all in because it will fly by faster than you will think. So take in every moment and performance that you get the opportunity to have.

Star

It would be to stay present and not take any moment for granted. At the beginning, it’s easy to get caught up in stress and focus on what needs to be fixed next. But I’ve learned that every practice and every moment with my team actually matters more than I realized. I’d remind myself to appreciate the process, value the bonds we build as a team, and really be in the moment instead of rushing through it.

Sienna

I would tell myself that if I want to be the best I need to train like the best. If you put the hard work in early, it will pay off later in the season.

Camryn

I’d tell myself to trust my team and not overthink every stunt or routine. The more we worked together and stayed consistent, the more everything started to hit and click.

Ian

I would tell myself to be more confident and not think about all the little mistakes. Growth comes from failing, trying again, and learning, then striving to be better.

Addison

I would tell myself to really soak in every moment with my teams and enjoy every part of the journey. Getting ready to take the ICU stage for the last time with YUCO and compete at my first Worlds makes this season really special, and it’s gone by so fast, so I just want to be fully present for all of it.

Kylie

I would tell myself to not rush things, and that everything will workout. At the beginning of the season when I injured my back I was very anxious about getting my spot on the team and I just wanted to rush into cheer again. Coaches, family, and doctors told me to not rush back injuries because it will hurt me worse in the long run. I spent lots of time resting, and doing exercises to help it heal faster and I got the opportunity to compete the whole season with my team! At the moment I didn’t want to sit out and watch, but I’m glad I waited so I was able to continue the season!

Jaydyn

I would tell myself to trust the process and not get discouraged so quickly. There were times I doubted myself, but pushing through helped me improve and grow stronger as an athlete.

Nic

One piece of advice I would give to myself at the start of the season is to take it all in. This season has been an incredible experience for me and I wish I could relive it again and again.

Shelby

I would tell myself at the start of season to not wait to adjust and to fix things early even if it feels uncomfortable. It will pay off in the end.

Zoe

It would be to truly live in the moment. As athletes, it’s easy to get caught up in counting down to the next break or competition, always looking ahead instead of appreciating where we are. But looking back, this season went by so fast, and I wish I had been more present during the practices, the laughs, and even the hard days. Those moments are what make the season meaningful, and they don’t last forever, so it’s important to fully appreciate them while you can.

Masyn

I’d tell myself: trust the prep and own every moment. Show up for your teammates—confidence grows from consistency. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes; they’re the quickest way to get better. Smile, stay positive, and remember that energy is contagious. Bring it every time you’re on the mat and everything else will follow.

Laney

I’d tell myself to focus on being the best teammate possible from day one. Hard work for every full out and section is a must, but cheering on teammates makes the long practices way more fun. Putting in that effort together is what makes a season great.

Kacey

It would be to always keep a positive mindset even when practices are tough. A positive mindset can make the toughest practices or losses that much easier and can motivate us to work harder.