Meet Sophie Najar, one of the standout members of the Lamphere High School Cheerleading team! Sophie has been a consistent presence on the team since her freshman year. She has competed on varsity for all four years, participating in both sideline and competitive seasons, demonstrating her commitment and skill level throughout her high school career. Sophie brings impressive skills to the team with her advanced tumbling techniques and her ability to base any teammate. She spent her first three years as a flyer, showcasing her skills, before transitioning to a base position during her senior year. This move highlights her adaptability and team-first mentality. Beyond her athletic abilities, Sophie stands out as an excellent teammate and person. She serves as a positive role model for underclassmen on both varsity and JV teams, demonstrating the qualities of a good friend, sister, and leader within the program. Sophie’s cheerleading journey spans many years, beginning in 4th grade with the Madison Heights Wolverines program. She continued developing her skills at John Page cheer during middle school before joining the LHS program. This extensive background has provided her with a strong foundation and a deep understanding of the sport, which benefits the entire team. I asked Sophie some questions about her journey, and here’s what she said!
What’s been the best cheerleading season since 4th grade? I think my sophomore season was definitely the best one I experienced. We were really strong as a team that year, with everyone working together and supporting each other. I think it was a really good growing year for me personally, where I learned so much about teamwork and pushing myself to new limits.
Who’s your biggest supporter? My boyfriend Dewayne is definitely my biggest supporter in cheerleading. He is there whenever he possibly can be, whether it’s at games or competitions. I always hear his voice cheering for me from the stands, which gives me such a boost of confidence. He’s always recording my performances so I can watch the videos later and improve, which I really appreciate.
What image do you want to leave behind for the upcoming cheerleaders? I want the younger cheerleaders to know that it is completely okay to mess up sometimes – that’s how we learn and grow. Cheerleading is definitely hard work that requires dedication and countless hours of practice, but it absolutely pays off in the end. The friendships, confidence, skills, and memories you create are all worth every challenging moment.
Sophie has been a huge and invaluable part of the Lamphere cheerleading community for years, bringing her incredible energy, dedication, and spirit to every practice, game, and competition. Her commitment to the team and her positive attitude have made such a lasting impact on everyone around her – from her teammates to the coaches to the entire school community. Sophie’s leadership, both on and off the mat, has helped shape the culture of our cheerleading program and has inspired so many younger athletes to strive for excellence.
As she enters her final season, we are filled with excitement and anticipation to see what amazing things she can accomplish. We know that with her talent, work ethic, and determination, this last year is going to be absolutely incredible. Sophie has already achieved so much throughout her cheerleading career, but we have a feeling that her senior season will be her most memorable and successful yet.
Good luck, Sophie!
