Christian O’Dell '26 Recruiting Profile

My cheer journey has taught me many life lessons, from building a strong work ethic to becoming a compassionate and dependable leader. But the most valuable lesson I’ve learned through cheer is the meaning of teamwork and trust. Whether I am mid-stunt or executing a coed stunt, I know my teammates are relying on me just as much as I rely on them. There’s something powerful about pushing through adversity together, holding each other accountable, and celebrating every small win as a unit. That bond—formed through repetition, sacrifice, and shared goals—feels like a family.

Cheer requires absolute focus, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to others. The ability to lead and be led is constantly tested. Giving and receiving feedback gracefully, encouraging others when they’re drained, and showing up even on the hardest days—those are skills that cheer has sharpened in me. My martial arts and football backgrounds complement these values. Years of disciplined training have taught me control, mental toughness, and the importance of humility—qualities that enhance my performance in both cheer and everyday life.

Academically, I’ve always worked hard to maintain a strong GPA, currently holding a 3.8 while taking accelerated, honors, gifted, AP, and Dual Enrollment courses. I’m proud to say I’ve kept a grade average above 90%, even while committing hours to training and performance. In 2023 and 2024, I was honored to receive the Scholar Athlete award for my dedication to both academics and extracurricular excellence. Balancing school, cheer, and football takes focus and sacrifice, but I enjoy the challenge and believe it’s helping me prepare for a future in college.

Outside of cheer and school, I make time to give back. Every Sunday, I volunteer at my local church, teaching a group of fourth-grade boys. Guiding young kids and watching them grow gives me a sense of purpose and continues to develop my leadership in ways that go beyond sports.

In the future, I plan to major in Engineering or Business and Leadership. I believe that the discipline I’ve developed through cheer, martial arts, football, and academics will continue to help me excel at the next level—both on the mat and in the classroom.