Sports Spotlight - West Orange Times & Observer: Emani Croker

When Ocoee High senior Emani Croker tried out for cheerleading her freshman year, she didn’t have any background in the sport. But she immediately made the varsity squad, and four years later is serving as its captain and is a role model for the girls. 

What got you into cheerleading?

It was ninth-grade year, I really enjoyed watching cheerleading so then I wanted to experience it. I tried out ninth-grade year, which was my first year ever cheering, and I made varsity.

Do you have a background in gymnastics or dance?

I did gymnastics when I was 2, which was like the mommy-and-me classes. But then I stopped and got into dancing, and now I cheer.

What’s the best part of cheerleading for you?

My favorite part is the games, Friday night lights! I really enjoy the crowd and cheering.

What does being cheer captain mean to you?

It just shows positive leadership. I get to keep the girls encouraged and make sure they have someone to look up to.

Tell me something you’ve learned from cheerleading these past four years.

It taught me leadership. Peer pressure is a big thing in high school, so cheerleading taught me that I had to be a leader and not follow the crowd. We’re looked at like we should be leaders, so basically it just showed me I have to be a leader no matter what, no matter what my friends did.

Any plans for after high school?

I’m going to the University of Alabama — Roll Tide! I want to study aeronautical engineering.

If you had your favorite food sitting in front of you, what would it be?

Chili fries, because I love chili and I eat it on everything — hot dogs and crazy stuff. It’s my favorite food.

What’s your least favorite chore?

Wash the dishes — it makes my ankles itch. Standing there makes my ankles itch, it’s weird.

Do you have a favorite cheer or stunt?

My favorite cheer is Knights Attack. It gets the crowd going, and it’s a crowd-led cheer. The crowd is very involved with that cheer, so I like that one.

What are your favorite sports to watch?

I watch soccer and swimming. My team is Madrid, because when I first started watching soccer the first game I watched was Madrid, and I’ve loved it ever since.

Has there been a game that has really stuck out to you?

Yes, against West Orange last season! We won the shield back after so long, and that was like the most hyped game, because we won at the end.