Last night, after finishing the sixth episode of Netflix’s Cheer, I found myself dreaming about being a cheerleader again. I was on the verge of stepping onto the mat, but I was held back because my hair just wouldn’t poof up right. My rhinestone scrunchie failed to keep my hair in place. Instead of envisioning myself soaring through complex stunts or executing long tumbling runs on the thin mats, I spent the entire dream fumbling with my scrunchie. Even in my subconscious, I’m a mess and definitely not in prime shape anymore.
The impact of Cheer hit me hard; it seeped into my dreams and left me feeling somewhat traumatized. I was captivated by the narratives of the five cheerleaders highlighted in the series, each one a unique underdog battling their own personal demons. (Heads up: there are a few spoilers ahead.)
Many people might assume that cheerleading is an elite sport reserved for the privileged, considering its costs. However, the reality is that a lot of these kids have faced unimaginable hardships, including sexual abuse, financial struggles, family breakups, and even incarceration. For many of them, cheerleading has been a lifeline.
The coach, Sarah Collins, embodies the tough-love mentor archetype, having led her teams to a staggering 14 National Championships and five Grand National Championships. Yet, her affection for her squad is unmistakable.
While the series showcases inspiring, heartfelt moments, what left me feeling unsettled was witnessing the extreme lengths these athletes push themselves. The physical toll they take is astounding. After watching, I can’t help but think that cheerleading might just be one of the most perilous sports out there. Data backs this up — the National Center for Catastrophic Sports Injury Research states that cheerleading is responsible for 70.5% of catastrophic injuries at the collegiate level and 65.2% at the high school level. So, what qualifies as a catastrophic injury? The American Medical Association defines it as a severe injury to the spine, spinal cord, or brain, which may also encompass skull or spinal fractures.
As mesmerizing as cheerleading can be, I can’t picture allowing my kids to partake in it. The thought of risking such injuries for my child is unbearable. Yet, I recognize that for many, cheerleading is a passion, an essential part of their lives. I understand that completely. Still, when I watched Morgan “Moe” Miller fall to the mat like a heavy weight in episode three, I instinctively jumped up, hands over my heart, exclaiming “OH MY GOSH!” multiple times. I had to rewind because I couldn’t fathom the sheer impact of what I had just seen. With no protective gear, she crashed into the mat from a height of nearly ten feet.
Like other cheer squads, Navarro has a rule that if any flyer hits the ground during a fall, the entire team must do 50 push-ups. But accidents still happen. This particular fall was particularly brutal. Moe was not only launched into the air but also over to the side, missing the catchers who were preoccupied with another flyer. The result? A hard, unforgiving landing on the mat. It really sounded like a heavy object hitting the ground.
To their credit, the Netflix crew didn’t intrude on the scene to capture the injury; they gave space for others to help Moe. However, interviews with teammates and Coach Collins revealed how grim the situation was. Moe ended up overextending her elbow, sidelining her for eight to ten weeks and missing the crucial Daytona competition, the goal of all those relentless practices.
While that was the most severe injury of the season, it was far from the only one. As the competition approached, injuries piled up among the Navarro cheerleaders. The bases, the strong individuals responsible for tossing and catching flyers, struggled with wrist, shoulder, and back injuries, their pain evident right after stunts. Flyers suffered severe bruising and rib injuries from being caught repeatedly. One flyer had to be removed from her role in the pyramid, and another ignored a doctor’s orders to stop practicing despite extensive bruising.
Netflix mic’d the catches, allowing viewers to hear the jarring sounds of bodies colliding with teammates’ arms. Although the bases tried to be gentle, catching ten-foot-high flyers during rapid transitions is no easy feat.
Watching these young athletes endure such physical strain leaves me in a conflicting state of admiration for their dedication to the sport and dismay at the immense pressures they face. I get that sports demand sacrifices, and that many athletes endure tough conditions for their passion.
But when Morgan, a girl who survived parental neglect and was chosen by Coach Collins for her potential, says, “People have broken their necks doing this, but Sarah needs me to do it, so I’ll just do it. I would take a bullet for her,” I’m left feeling both moved and alarmed. It’s a touching sentiment, yet it’s terrifying at the same time.
Regardless, if a second season rolls out, I’ll be tuning in without hesitation.
For more insights into parenting and family life, check out some of our other posts, like the one on home insemination kits.
In summary, Cheer exposes the harsh realities and triumphs of cheerleading, showcasing the dedication and sacrifices these athletes make, while also revealing the physical dangers they face. It’s a captivating yet unsettling watch that leaves you questioning the price of such passion.