By GeNienne Samuels, Co-Founder, President & CEO — Sideline Prep
Reflecting on the powerful women in my life and those of the past fills me with so much inspiration and determination. These women have been barrier breakers and equality champions, yet there’s often chapters of their stories we don’t see. The transition from girlhood to womanhood is often accompanied by doubt, negative self-talk, self-doubt, and depression.
Although we admire their resilience and determination in the face of systemic inequality and societal pressure, it’s crucial to acknowledge that these women struggled with similar, if not the same, internal challenges that we all do. We must celebrate their accomplishments while also acknowledging that they’re human, just like us. There’s always a more colorful story to be told that took place behind closed doors that was instrumental in their accomplishments. Telling the entire story, the downs along with the ups; the dark days that helped create the bright days; enables us to create a more supportive and empowering environment for all women today.
When I co-founded Sideline Prep, my objective was to pass on the knowledge I have gained as a former NFL and NBA cheerleader/dancer and in-arena host. It can be a struggle for women — girls especially — to recognize their worth in a society that seeks to devalue them by putting their appearance under a microscope. The accolades I received are not the originators of my value — I was already worthy, just as you are already excellent.
It is so vital for women and girls to understand their inherent value and power as individuals. Through Sideline Prep, I aim to empower young women and help them develop the skills, knowledge, and resilience to navigate any challenge that comes their way… but it all starts with confidence
There are fundamental lessons I have learned to embody as a woman and as a leader. Here are my tips for empowering women and girls:
Recognize your worth
For girls and women just starting and looking to excel in the cheerleading world, or even those hoping to realize dreams of becoming expressive, vibrant dancers, embracing your flaws or weaknesses, as well as your strengths, can help you to identify your worth. Flaws are growth opportunities. Your imperfections lead to moments in which you can showcase your strength and power and your ability to overcome and improve.
Gratitude is an excellent way to embrace that you were perfectly created and designed wholeheartedly. Affirmations, as a principle, should be constantly repeated, not only in thought but in feeling. “I am worthy,” “I am enough,” and “I am grateful for who I am” are just a few ways to remind yourself of your inherent value.
Hold on to your power
Striving to excel in the competitive cheerleading or dance world can be challenging. Societal expectations can create pressure cooker scenarios for girls and women, and the push for girls to fit into a particular mold can be overwhelming.
Insecurity during auditions and hyper-focusing on mistakes often lead to negative self-talk. When you enter any room, understand that you deserve and can command any judge’s attention and respect. Embrace the fact that you are strong, confident, and capable of achieving your dreams.
Generations of women have fought the same struggle and claimed their power; and if they can, so can you. Say yes to opportunities that serve your growth and development and no to those that do not align with your values and goals. When you recognize and hold onto your power, you become unstoppable and realize that you are capable of achieving greatness.
Fill up your cup before trying to fill others
Powerful women are doers, but they also recognize when they should prioritize their emotional, physical, and spiritual health. Getting caught up in the demands of the cheer or dance world can be straightforward, whether practicing for hours on end, performing at competitions, or dealing with the dynamics of being a part of a team. However, you must prioritize your needs and well-being to thrive and flourish.
Self-care is critical to living a bold and empowered life. When your cup is complete, it enables you to help others profoundly. Make it a priority to meditate, journal, work out, or just pamper yourself. Never allow the naysayers, society, or haters to devalue who you are — they will never be able to empty your cup.
Constantly strive to improve and grow
To get to the next level, a new level, you have to be willing to challenge yourself to step up and do things you have never done before. Whether that is stepping into an audition room full of confidence, or realizing that your leadership skills are captain material.
You have to become comfortable with feeling uncomfortable. Just as the physical and mental challenge of firewalking can unleash unprecedented confidence and personal growth, embracing the difficulties you encounter can transform your fear into power. We all grow, learn, and excel the most after defeat, failure, and setbacks. Spend every day focusing on being at least 1 percent better than you were the day before because the only person you should really be competing with is the person you were yesterday.
As a leader, a coach, and a woman, I am reminded of the excellence and power that lies in holding onto and recognizing your inherent value. Remember that, as you progress in the cheer and dance all-star world, you can create your destiny and shape your future. You can realize your confident and empowered version of yourself by holding onto your power, taking care of yourself, and always striving for improvement.
— GeNienne Samuels is the co-founder, president, and CEO of Sideline Prep, which trains and supports aspiring professional entertainers for sports teams. She is a former NFL Cheerleader and then retired as a Wizards Dancer for the NBA’s Washington Wizards to take on the role of the in-arena host for the Wizards. She has dancer professional for 11 seasons and held the titles of Captain, Co-Captain, Pro Bowl Cheerleader, Swimsuit Cover Model, Most Valuable Dancer, and Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient, to name a few.
