Athlete of the Week: Abbey Langhoff, Foundation cheerleading

With six consecutive regional championships, four consecutive state championships, back-to-back world championships and a national title in 2024, there isn’t an athletic program in West Orange and Southwest Orange that can measure up to the success experienced by the Foundation Academy cheerleading team. 

Throughout this dynastic run, the program has leaned on the experience and leadership of its veteran cheerleaders, such as Abbey Langhoff — who started the sport as a sixth grader. Now a rising senior and captain for the Lady Lions, Langhoff will be vital to Foundation's continued dominance this upcoming season. 

THE BASICS

Age: 17

Sport: Cheerleading

Grade: Senior

School: Foundation Academy 

Q&A

How does it feel to be named Athlete of the Week?

It’s such an honor. I honestly didn’t know a cheerleader could earn this title, so I am so grateful to be able to be considered.

What do you enjoy the most about cheer?

The thing I enjoy most about cheer is the bond you create with your teammates and coaches. Cheer is unlike any other sport, and the level of trust needed in each of your teammates forces you to become very tight-knit.

What is the biggest lesson you have learned from cheer?

Trust the process. Each season starts and ends so differently, and you truly cannot tell at the beginning of the season how it will go.

What is your favorite cheer memory?

Winning UCA Nationals in 2024. That feeling is indescribable to anyone (who) hasn’t experienced it. When we went into the award session, we honestly had little hope (because of) how our finals performance was. But when they called the second-place team, wow, that feeling was amazing! Everyone started crying out of shock, and it was just amazing to feel like all your hard work had paid off. 

Who is your favorite athlete?

My favorite athlete is either Michael Phelps or Simone Biles, because they are incredibly talented at their sport and are such inspirations of hard work. 

What is your go-to pre-competition meal?

I honestly don’t have a go-to meal, but I would say a frequent option of mine is Chick-fil-A before both football games and competitions.

What is your favorite non-sports hobby?

My favorite non-sports hobby is photography. I actually am a professional senior, couples and family portrait photographer (@abbeylanghoffphoto on Instagram). 

What is your favorite subject?

My favorite subject in school is math, which is kind of a hot take. I really enjoy routine, and I feel like math is just that. When you understand what is going on, it’s actually so fun.

What is your favorite movie?

“Pitch Perfect.” It’s just the best combination of comedy, music and girlhood. I could definitely watch it over and over. 

If you could go back in time to a specific period in history, when and where would you go?

I would probably go back to the 1980s. Since my parents grew up in the 80s, they always talk about how fun it was, and I think it would be really fun to experience all the trends that took place. 

Looking back, what piece of advice would you give your younger self?

A piece of advice I would give my younger self would be to not take everything so seriously. I am a very type-A person, but over the years I would say I have definitely learned to loosen up a bit.

If you could ask your future self a question, what would it be?

I would just ask if I’m happy. I don’t think I would want to know too much about what happens, because then I would probably stress about it. 

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?

I would 100% choose teleportation. I love to travel, and to be able to just blink and be in a new place would be amazing! 

If you could travel to three places in the world, where would you go and why?

I would go to Greece, Japan and Australia. My mom and I’s dream place to visit is Greece, so I definitely would want to go there with her. I think Japan is just a cool country, and I love the beach so Australia would be so cool to go to, especially (because) it’s on the other side of the world. 

If you could be an animal for a day, which one would you be and why?

I would be a sea turtle. I love the ocean so much. 

Does pineapple belong on pizza?

I do think pineapple belongs on pizza. However, it doesn’t belong on my pizza.