By Kimberly Humphries
In 84 days the FC Dazzlers will nervously await our destiny to be called. No one has ever managed 10 consecutive national titles before, but then again, the Dazzlers are known for doing the impossible.
Being a Dazzler makes me understand this more than anyone else ever could. While other people take a break from their sport at some point in the year, Dazzlers take no breaks. We practice all year long in preparation for two minutes on the nationals floor in Orlando, Florida.
Just thinking about the moment when we are all huddled together waiting to hear who the 2012 Large Varsity Pom National Champions will be, makes my stomach turn, and while I think of the possible results, I am knocking on wood, because no team is more superstitious than us.
No one expects it to be done, a straight decade of titles, two handfuls of rings. But then again, no one thought nine straight titles could be managed either. We thrive off the doubts, and nothing motivates us more than the people who hate on us for our success.
When we take the floor, all of our practice is worth it. We suddenly are relieved that we have a personal trainer that pushes us weekly. We become thankful for all the difficult moments in technique class. And missing out on countless events with our friends for extra practices or performances becomes so insignificant because we know there is absolutely nothing more we could have done to prepare ourselves for that moment.
Somewhere along the journey, teammates become friends, and eventually those friends become sisters. Our coach became the big brother I have always wanted, who I know will always have my back, no matter what situation I get myself into.
At the risk of sounding super cliché, Dazzlers is more than a team, we are a family. There is no doubt in my mind that I would do anything for my 22 sisters and my big brother. When I am having a bad day, I know that after practice, it will be better. When I have an issue and do not know what to do, there is always someone there that knows just what to say to help me make the right decision.
Dazzlers is not only physically draining, it is mentally draining too. When it comes down to the last month before nationals, having three practices on a school day is not uncommon. We are used to injuries that we push through for the sake of our sisters. Our friends learn that they will see less and less of us the closer it gets. And we lay up half the night wondering if all our hard work is going to pay off in the end.
There is no better feeling in the world than the feeling you get when you work for what you get. No better feeling than slipping your arms into that white, silk nationals jacket. No better feeling than watching your team represent your school on ESPN. No better feeling than when someone looks at your nationals ring and says, “Wow! It looks like you won the Super Bowl!” These are the moments we work for.
Because before you can know the feeling of being a champion, you have to work for it.