In the glittering world of cheerleading, retirement often marks the end of an era filled with high-flying stunts, infectious cheers, and spirited camaraderie. For many, hanging up the pom-poms can be an emotional journey, transitioning from the adrenaline-pumping cheers to a more subdued rhythm of life. Today, we delve into the stories of two remarkable cheer alumni, Maggie Schoen and Risa Sorenson, as they share their experiences navigating the rollercoaster of emotions that come with retiring from the cheerleading spotlight.
Maggie Schoen's Reflection: "When I retired from cheerleading, I really missed the camaraderie, the practices - learning cheers & dances, and the connection & excitement of the game and the fans," reminisces Maggie Schoen. Life took an unexpected turn, leading her away from the cheerleading sidelines, but the void left behind was palpable. "I wasn’t quite ready to retire, but life presented the need to. Life without cheerleading definitely required a shift." Maggie found solace in her full-time career, which consumed a significant portion of her time. However, her love for the Tiger Cats endured, and she continued to attend games as a devoted fan. But it wasn't until the Cheer Alumni Organization entered her life that Maggie felt a missing piece fall into place. "The opportunity for membership with the Cheer Alumni Organization added another missing piece - greater connection with other cheer alumni, the Tiger Cat organization, the fans, and the opportunity to perform." The organization became the bridge that spanned the gap between the cheerleading days of yore and the present. "Loved that it filled a missing piece I didn’t even realize was empty," Maggie concludes, emphasizing the profound impact of rekindling connections and sharing the stage with fellow alumni. Risa Sorenson's Journey: Risa Sorenson, a cheerleader with the Q-Tees in 1973, embarked on her cheerleading odyssey with CHQT, Edmonton's sport radio station, as their sponsor. After a decade of cheering, she gracefully retired when The Edmonton Sun took over, and life beckoned her in a different direction. "I never felt disconnected from the new teams, and I feel very proud to be an EE alumni," shares Risa. Her cheerleading family, forged between 1973 and 1983, still holds a special place in her heart. The enduring friendships formed during those years have stood the test of time, and Risa is grateful to continue dancing and reconnecting with her cheer buddies. "When the CFL allows, it's absolutely the best feeling to get back on the field with the alumni," she enthuses, highlighting the sheer joy that comes with reliving those spirited moments. Retiring from cheerleading is undoubtedly an emotional journey filled with highs and lows, cheers and tears. Maggie Schoen and Risa Sorenson's stories serve as a testament to the enduring spirit of cheer alumni, showcasing that the end of one chapter can lead to the beginning of another. The Cheer Alumni Organization provides a haven for those transitioning from the roar of the crowd to the quieter sidelines, offering the opportunity to reconnect, perform, and fill the void left by retirement. As these alumni continue to dance through life, their cheerleading legacy lives on, forever woven into the fabric of their hearts and the history of their teams.
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AuthorOur blog is written by many talented members of the CFCAO Archives
February 2024
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