Annabeth Owen '27 Recruiting Profile

I started competitive cheer when I was four years old because I watched Gabby Douglas compete at the 2012 Olympics. I thought that flipping around on the floor would be so much fun. I begged my parents to sign me up for tumbling classes so I could learn to be just like Gabby Douglas. At my first class at a competitive cheer gym, I was hooked! It was shortly thereafter that I joined the Tiny Level 1 team, and here I am 10 years later and loving every minute!

A few things I have learned while competitively cheering are the spirit of teamwork, personal sacrifice, and commitment, as well as how to push myself past my physical and mental limits because others depend on me. Over the last 10 seasons, I have mastered the ability to be coachable, taking criticism and corrections in stride, and improving skills as instructed. I understand that I am far from perfect and will always have room to improve and grow. I respect my coaches' time and feedback by actively listening to and learning from them.

 There are multiple people who have influenced who I am today. First, my parents are a big part of who I am because they've always been by my side and have always encouraged me to try my hardest and support me in my aspirations. Next, my coaches have helped me reach my goals, always supporting me whether I am having an awesome day at practice or struggling with a new skill or mental block. Lastly, several athletes such as Simone Biles, Gabby Douglas, and Angel Rice, have influenced me. Each has shown perseverance in the face of adversity, demonstrated fierce commitment to the sport they love and demonstrated what it is to be a wholesome role model.

Competitive cheer has not always been easy for me. I have recently overcome two separate tumbling mental blocks—both blocks were with my roundoff-backhandspring- back tuck. My amazing coaches assisted with my overcoming each mental block, reassuring me that my tumbling did not define who I was as a person or as a competitive athlete. 

My academic goals for high school are to maintain a 3.6 GPA or higher, succeed in all my classes, and be inducted into the National Honor Society. I am choosing not to cheer at the high school level in order to maximize the high school experience and become a citizen leader. My collegiate goals are to continue competitive cheer while majoring in health and human sciences.