[dropcap size=small]S[/dropcap]enior Isabella Druding is launched from the base group of girls who stand below, and she takes a moment in flight. Flying like this, she’s been practicing and counting on her three teammates to catch her safe and smooth.
Druding has been a part of Varsity Cheer and Stunt teams since freshman year, averaging 15 hours a week year round practicing and perfecting like that launch. She’s one of the few Bearcats to spend four years on a varsity team, adapting her stunts and helping younger teammates as a key captain.
“[Druding] has been a quiet leader that has led by example over the past four years. She came to varsity as a freshman that quickly built her skills to the elite level. She is so willing to try new things. She has really had to learn how to challenge herself and be okay with being uncomfortable at least a little bit. It’s that attitude that has allowed her to reach the level she is at now,” Coach Tori Loney said.
Acrobatics have been a part of Druding’s entire life. She started gymnastics at age 3 which she continued for five years. Her cheer career started in the seventh grade at Lewis MS. She has also been a part of the 805 Cheer Club her senior year, and has learned many different stunts, including 360’s and low-to-high baskets.
“Cheer has impacted my life so much and definitely made me the person I am today. It made me more athletic, independent, and it made me have a passion for something. It is my happy place, and I always have a good time cheering and in practice,” she said.
Earning a Lions Club award her first season as a freshman, Druding has learned to carry her passion and love for the sport through to her last games as a senior.
“Bella has left a positive impact on the team through her constructive criticism and silliness. Especially in her senior year, she’s not afraid to act silly in front of teammates. She gives great constructive criticism that helps our younger girls progress in their skill,” senior Sophia Mullinix said. Mullinix has been a friend, base team, and teammate of Druding’s for over six years.
Druding’s positive attitude and work ethic left a strong impression on college scouts: her stunt scholarship committed to William Jessup University under a stunt scholarship for the next four years. She plans on majoring in pre-nursing through her stay.
“Bella is a legend on our team. Her name will be mentioned for years to come. Our younger team members have looked up to her for so long. She inspires others to work hard and love the sport as much as she does. It will really be difficult to fill the positions that Bella has helped to fill over these past years,” Loney said.
