Rylee SWYGMAN

Rylee SWYGMAN - Colorado
Interview by Olivia Bush
Nomination by TARA JO SWYGMAN
Photography David Schlatter Photography
Issue 37 of Inspiring Teens Magazine
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​The Nomination: Rylee Swygman is inspiring because she is smart, witty, confident...yet humble. She is an active role model to many of her fellow cheer teammates, her classmates, and her friends. She enjoys helping and teaching younger athletes with cheer when she can, Rylee has always set a goal for herself. When she accomplishes that goal, she strives for another. Rylee's a patient, kind, and a supportive individual.

Photography David Schlatter Photography

When did you get involved in cheer?  What or who inspired you to start cheering?
I got involved in cheer about 5 years ago.  I had been involved in gymnastics since I was about three where I lived in a really small town in Minnesota.  My family moved to the Colorado area, and when I watched cheer for the first time, I just instantly connected with it.  I learned to incorporate all my tumbling, as well as add in the dance and stunting. I became a flyer on the team.  It felt so good to walk into the gym, be amongst coaches and fellow cheer athletes, and just express yourself.  We all became a team, and we all have inspired each other.  
 
What different competitions have you competed in throughout your timing doing Allstar Cheer?  Which of these have you won or placed in? 
I have competed in many competitions throughout the past 5 years.  Our teams have traveled to many local competitions in Denver, and states such as Texas, Georgia, Oregon, Utah, and Florida.  A few of the competitions have been UCA, PAC-West, American Legacy, One-Up, NCA, Cheersport, and Summit. There have been many competitions our team has placed in, but the ones that stand out to me the most are:  1st in PAC-West and in American Legacy, 2nd at Cheersport and 3rd at NCA.  

Photography David Schlatter Photography

What are your most memorable moments from doing AllStar Cheer?  Tell me all about it!  
My most memorable moments from AllStar cheer have been in Atlanta, Georgia at Cheersport, and at NCA in Dallas (the largest cheerleading competition in the world).  When I went to Atlanta Georgia, I loved learning the culture of the south, and all about the amazing people. At NCA in Dallas, the atmosphere is magnetic.  There are thousands of people, cameras flashing, and a building downtown that lights up red, white, and blue during competition time.  At NCA, I have been lucky enough to meet elite cheerleaders such as Ryan Cummings and Kennedy Thames, and some of the athletes at Navarro College.  
 
What does it mean to you knowing that you are a role model for your fellow teammates?
 It means a lot to me.  I’ve tried throughout my career to make a difference and to show younger athletes how to have fun and to overcome challenges.  I try to teach fellow athletes that cheer can be an outlet for so many stressors. An athlete might be able to tumble better than they can stunt, or stunt better than they can dance.  Build on your strengths, and work on your weaknesses, and you’ll be the best well-rounded athlete!   

Photography David Schlatter Photography

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What are some goals that you have for your future?  Would you like to continue cheer as you get older?  
A goal I have for the future is to try modeling. A great pastime of mine is taking photos with friends. With modeling, I can be myself, but also put on that acting face!
I do see cheer in my future for a few more years.  After high school, I’d like to attend a college in Florida or California.  I love the beach, the people, the energy, and the environment.  I want to earn a degree helping others, being a good mentor and an inspiration.

Rylee will be featured in issue 37 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

click here for more information on issue 37

click here to nominate an inspiring teen