ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Jada Wilson

Foundation Academy senior cheer co-captain Jada Wilson has been a member of the team for the last seven years since she first started at Foundation. This year, Wilson was crowned a back-to-back state champion alongside the Lady Lions. The cheer squad also secured its fourth district championship, and placed second in the nation and third in the world. 

Tell us about your years as a cheerleader.
When I first came to Foundation, I was in sixth grade, and I wanted to try something new. My sister, Juliana — she was already on the cheer team — so, I made varsity because they needed a flyer … I’ve never flown before, but I flew my sixth-, seventh- and eight-grade years, and my goal from sixth grade was to win states. Winning states last year was insane, because it was the first time ever in school someone had gotten a state title; it was so amazing. My one goal that I always wanted to accomplish was accomplished. This year we were so close; we didn’t know if we were going to win. And then we won by a point, and that was amazing. 

Why cheer for you?
The second I started cheering, I felt in love with the sport. I loved being in a team with people who are so close to you. … It’s like family, this year’s team. 

What do you love most about cheer as a sport?
I love stunting a lot, I love hitting new stunts, hard stunts, it’s the best feeling. I back spot and base. I love back-spotting, because I have a lot of control over the stunt.

How long have you been part of the Lions’ cheer squad?
Since I was in sixth grade. 

What do you believe cheer has taught you not only during routines but also outside of them?
It’s definitely taught me patience. … I’ve (also) learned how to overcome a lot of things; I’ve learned a lot. I’m definitely sad that it’s over. 

Do you have a favorite drill at practice?
I like stunts. My favorite stunt is the full-up switch up. The flyer spins, and we pull her up while she spins and switches her feet. Then we catch her with one foot at the top. It’s our opening stunt, so whenever we hit it, I know (it) is going to be a good routine. 

What makes you a unique cheerleader on the mat?
I think my versatility. … I haven’t not been in a position. I’ve tried everything (during a routine). 

How do you instill leadership in your team?
I am co-captain, so I lead the team with two other people (by) mostly hyping everybody up and making sure in competitions everybody is confident.

What will you miss the most about cheering with the Lady Lions?
Being around everybody, because I see some of them at school, but it’s not the same. We really bond at practice. 

What’s your favorite hobby?
Surfing, (I’ve been surfing) for as long as I can remember. 

What are three things you would take with you to a deserted island?
I would take a guitar, I would take my best friend — Annelie — and I would take my surf board. 

Who is your favorite superhero? Why?
Scarlet Witch. I like her story, how she got brought up and her powers and everything. As a woman, she really is powerful.

If you could have a superpower, what would it be and why?
Maybe reading people’s minds — to know what presents to give to people.

What are three places you’d like to visit? Why?
Hawaii, because I want to surf there. Costa Rica, because I want to surf there, and Norway, because my brother went, and he thought it was really cool.

Which one would you choose: Instagram, BeReal or TikTok?
TikTok. 

If you could go back to a specific period of history, which one would it be and why?
1970s, because of the music.

What color would you say represents your personality?
Yellow, because a lot of people tell me that. I think it has to do with surfing and the beach. Also because I’m a really happy person, and people associate happy with yellow. 

If you could be an animal for a day, which one would you be and why?
Probably a dolphin, because it’d be cool to be in the ocean.