Sports Spotlight - West Orange Times & Observer: Jessica Lyle

There aren’t many people who make varsity sports teams as freshmen, but West Orange High School senior Jessica Lyle is an exception. Lyle tried out for and made the varsity cheer squad immediately upon arriving at West Orange, and she is now in her final high-school cheer season. A captain on the squad, she embodies the spirit of West Orange High and loves being part of pumping up the crowd on Friday nights. 

When did you begin cheerleading?

I used to be a dancer, but I knew people that cheered and so they got me into cheerleading, so I was kind of looking for a change. I’ve been cheering since seventh grade.

You’ve been on the varsity cheer squad all four years of high school. What was it like making varsity as a freshman?

Honestly, that was one of the best days ever, because I wasn’t expecting it at all, so it was a really nice surprise. It was a really good experience and I’ve made so many friends on the team.

What’s it been like cheering with these girls for the last four years? 

Actually, a lot of them are new, but I’ve made a bunch of relationships with the girls on the team and even the new girls, too. It’s really nice, because the other two captains — we’re really close.

What’s your favorite part of the sport?

I just love cheerleading because it’s a challenge with tumbling and stunting, and I get to cheer with my closest friends. It’s just been a great experience and I wouldn’t change it.

Do you have a favorite cheer and stunt?

My favorite stunt is when we do pyramids. My favorite cheer is, honestly, probably our fight song, because it’s the most fun to get to do, and it’s obviously really nice when we score.

What do you find is the most challenging aspect of cheerleading?

Probably tumbling, because it’s very mental. I have skills, but sometimes you just get scared about them because of previous experiences; you really have to push yourself. I love it, but it is hard.

What are you going to miss most about being out there on Friday nights?

Probably just the feeling. When we come out here, it’s a different atmosphere and it’s just the best feeling when they score — running down the field and cheering them on is just such a great feeling. I’m definitely going to miss it.

Have you decided where you want to attend college and what you might want to study?

I’m not exactly sure what I want to study yet, but I want to go to either UCF or USF and I really would like to cheer in college, so I’m trying for that.

How do you balance school and cheer?

I do tumbling privates as well, so I have a pretty busy schedule, but it’s never been a problem for me. I just (make) the most of my time.