Here at GK Cheer, we finally caught up with Lindsey Gatewood for a brief chat about how life is changing for her. She was her usual enthusiastic self and always has so much energy. Her recent activities included her visit to UCA camp and lots of practicing in Kentucky where she is attending college. Enjoy our chat and learn about our GK Cheer Model and All Star Cheerleader, Lindsey.
1. We understand you recently received an academic scholarship to University of Kentucky? Congratulations! What do you plan on studying and how do you plan on balancing your cheerleading activities and your studies? I did receive an academic scholarship at the University of Kentucky based off of the essay I wrote about being diverse in not only a ethnic way; but also, about how being optimistic through every situation and how living a positive life is diverse in itself.
The major I chose to study is called Merchandising, Apparels, and Textiles. That is surprisingly to me, in the school of Agriculture and being more of a fashion focused major, is very exciting!
I plan on managing my time well with separating gym time, study time, and social time. Having the William C. Parker scholarship, I am required to go to a study session at least once a week and being on Blue Squad, I have a certain amount of hours to complete of study hall with the athletes. Another advantage offered at UK is, there are tutors that are available whenever and wherever the students want. And once you have a tutor, they will always be your tutor which is great.
2. What have you done to mentally prepare yourself for this next big step in your life? What do you think will be the most challenging for you throughout this transition? I have been to and from Kentucky for summer practices, workouts, and UCA camp this summer, and that has been a huge help in mentally preparing myself for this next step in my life. I am blessed with being on University of Kentucky's cheerleading team because we are all a family and it may be the beginning of the season, but we all bond well together which will make it an easier transition to college knowing we have each other.
I think the most challenging part about the transition from Maryland to Kentucky and high school to college will be missing the people back at home. I am very close to my family, friends, and my boyfriend who will be attending Towson University in Baltimore, Maryland. But it is very comforting knowing that my friends and family are supporting me and have promised to come and visit. I mean who wouldn't want to come to Lexington and watch a UK basketball game if given the opportunity?
3. GK Cheer is proud to have you model for our catalogs. What do you love about our cheer uniforms and why would you recommend them to All Star Teams like yours? Modeling for GK has been an amazing opportunity these last three years. I would recommend for All Star teams to have GK uniforms, practice wear, and warm ups because they have a professional look that also can be jazzed up. There are uniforms that are simple and classy and then there are uniforms with gems that sass it up. GK gives a wide variety of options and styles to choose from which is just one great aspect of GK.
4. What makes me a great leader? I would say by first being a great follower. I have learned that there is always room for improvement and to always keep pursuing to become the best cheerleader I can possibly be. We all have to start somewhere and I have learned that if you want something, you will do whatever it takes to get there and to be happy with the blessing and push on with hope during the hard times. I have become a great leader by taking other peoples criticism and use it to my advantage of improving. I still have so much to learn and this is only the beginning.
5. Who or what has inspired you the most in preparing for your athletic and professional careers? Honestly, so many people have inspired me to reach my goal of cheering at University of Kentucky. I would have to say that two of my stunting coaches, Mark Gray and Louis Berman were the ones that planted the seed of my dream when I was twelve years old and ever since then, they would talk about how amazing UK cheerleaders were. I didn't ever consider myself "good enough" to make the team until my tryout number was called for the making Blue Squad in May 2013. My parents and my brothers have always inspired me to follow my dreams and to always "Just do it." I know that God has a plan for me and knowing that inspires me to simply work my hardest and have a good time.
6. What do you think is important to really bring a team together? I think its important to know your teammates well and to work together because that is what forms a team. The simple fact of wanting to be on the team and willing to do whatever it takes to reach the goal is very important and it pumps everyone else up too.
7. Tell us a funny quirk about yourself. A funny quirk about myself? I have plenty of those, but I would say that I love talking in accents and even if I don't sound funny to others, I am usually laughing at my own attempts. I laugh a lot in general and if you make me laugh, then I consider you my friend.
Lindsey will be cheering for the University of Kentucky this year and we are so happy for her as she begins a new venture in her life. We wish her all the best!
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