By Derrick Smith

Some people think that cheerleaders just show up on game day ready to cheer on the team. But there is a whole lot of work and preparation that most people do not see. Sarah Goodman says that whether it is competitions or cheering on her school, there is a lot of time that they put in. 

“It has taken a lot of hard work and extra time to get where I am,” she said. “We are in competition season and every year I have to push myself hard to be able to be the best I can be for my team and our routine. It is exhausting and tiring but the hard work pays off at the end when we get to go to state. We start learning our routine in June and compete in September.  Every year of my highschool career as a cheerleader, my team just gets better and better. This year is the best team we have ever had and I know that we are going to do great things this year.”

Goodman is a senior at Chandler High School. She is a base for the cheer team, a sport she has been involved in for about six years. She is also a member of the archery team, something she has been a part of for seven years. 

Throughout her life, Sarah says that she has had multiple people that have influenced her. But for her, there are a few that have had a bigger impact. 

“My biggest influences are my parents and my boyfriend,” she said. “They have always been there for me and help me to stay on top of things. They push me to better myself. Another person that I look up to is Emyley Mullen. She has taught me that you don’t have to be the most talented cheerleader to succeed in your career.”

Outside of her sports, Goodman is also a member of the school choir, FCCLA, BancFirst Student Board of Directors, Gifted and Talented, National Honor Society, and she was the Student Rotarian for the month of September.