Sports & Sororities part 2! Interview with Auburn Cheerleader Britt Ware
We conducted this interview as an encouragement to high-school girls who may be pursuing college athletics, Greek Life and/or interested in getting involved in campus ministry during their 4 years of college!
Reminder to all girls reading this: You can do hard things. You can set big goals. The best is yet to come. I believe in you! -Leighton (founder of Recruitment Ready)
Okay, pep talk aside-Let’s read along!
Britt! Tell us where you are from!
I am from Birmingham Alabama and graduated Mountain Brook High School in 2019.
What’s your favorite part about being in college?
The relationships and community I have made through ADPI and Cheerleading. ADPi and Cheerleading only lasts for so long but the friendships will last forever. Finding these people are going to make your college experience the best it can be. Find friends who encourage, support, love, and comfort you in the good and bad times. Find the group of people who will lead you to Jesus no matter what.
Tell us what it’s like being a college cheerleader:
It’s a dream come true! As an Auburn Cheerleader we are expected to represent the university in and out of the uniform, which is a huge responsibility. My first year on the team was kinda scary but so thrilling. I was timid, a follower rather than leader, and would get so nervous everytime I had to step up. I quickly realized I was given this opportunity to serve as a leader, a role model, and that I was enough to have made the team. I was expected to get out of my comfort zone and reach my potential and that’s what I did.
This past year I was given the opportunity to represent as the Auburn Cheerleader female Co-Head. I would have never thought in a million years I was capable and qualified for this role. But God had such big plans for my life and if I didn’t lean on Him or trust Him I wouldn’t be where I am today.
With all of that being said I have absolutely loved every single minute of it. It can be challenging at times but it’s always so worth it. I’ve gotten to have the most amazing experiences, met great people, and have loved making relationships with all my teammates throughout the years. It’s a lot of work, dedication, and sacrifice! At Auburn we love to serve our community and give back to those who have given us so much. We stay busy by attending appearances at schools, nursing homes, events around campus and so much more. We have 21 cheerleaders all cheering for 8 sports teams year around. It’s the biggest blessing and so rewarding!
Is it hard to balance cheer and being in a sorority?
It’s challenging but it is what you make it! You set your priorities. Relations with the Lord, family, friends, school, cheerleading, sorority, whatever it may be, stick to it. I loved my sorority sisters and missed out on several events. I had to miss chapter meetings, socials, and wasn’t able to participate in rush due to two-a-days. However, if I was missing an ADPI event it was because of cheer. Wherever or whatever it was, the experience and opportunity was so incredible for my growth as a person and it made missing events worth it. It was a little sad at first seeing my friends all together when I couldn’t, but I learned how to balance both!
Bid Day! Photo shared with permission.
What is one piece of advice you would give a girl that wants to rush this year?
Be yourself! They are just as nervous as you are, if not more. While they are asking a lot question’s about you, it’s good to ask about them and their sorority as well! Have a few questions in your head like… “What do you do with your sorority sisters for fun?” “Do y’all have bibles studies together?” “What is your philosophy about?” This way you can get some insight on what you would be doing if you joined!
Is it hard to balance academics, Greek life and being a collegiate athlete?
It’s challenging but it is what you make it! You set your priorities. Relations with the Lord, family, friends, school, cheerleading, sorority, whatever it may be, stick to it. I loved my sorority sisters and missed out on several events. I had to miss chapter meetings, socials, and wasn’t able to participate in rush due to two-a-days. However, if I was missing an ADPI event it was because of cheer. Wherever or whatever it was, the experience and opportunity was so incredible for my growth as a person and it made missing events worth it. It was a little sad at first seeing my friends all together when I couldn’t, but I learned how to balance both!
Photo shared with permission.
We know your faith is important to you...how have you incorporated your faith into your college life?
Something that helped me personally was getting up in the mornings to do my quiet time. Give yourself 20 extra minutes to spend time with God, pray, journal, and just listen. This always helps me get my priorities straight before moving on with my day. If I am rushed or have a really early morning I will still try to squeeze it in any time throughout my day. I am more at peace, I know that when something doesn’t go my way it will still be okay because God has my back, and overall I’m just a more positive person to be around!
Finding a bible study and small group is a great place to start. I have an ADPI Bible study, cheerleading one with Mrs. April, and senior year started one with my roommates! It’s important to find your group of people who will encourage and push you to want to learn more about God! You are like the people you surround yourself with. Choose wisely!
Photo shared with permission
Thanks so much for your time! Last question!
What is one piece of advice you would give a girl that wants to try out for cheerleading in college?
Stay true to who you are throughout the process and try to not compare yourself. Of course it’s important to work hard and practice! But the times you are training shouldn’t take away from current friends, hobbies, relationships, or community. It’s easy to get caught up and forget about your normal day to day life activities that you have always enjoyed. It’s important to grow and learn throughout the process. Be nice to others trying out! These are going to be your friends if you make it or not. Be authentic and kind no matter the outcome because that will take you very far in life.
Recruitment Ready exists to offer a positive resource to young girls and we are thrilled you made it over to our blog. If you have any questions about our coaching services or offerings please email get.recruitment.ready@gmail.com or book directly with this link here!
Cheering you on!
