Epic Athlete | Ayden Gerlach

My name is Ayden Gerlach, I am 11 years old from Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania, and I cheer for Cheer Athletics – Pittsburgh. This is CA’s inaugural year here in Pennsylvania, and I’m very excited for our first season. I started cheerleading when I was 4 years old. My two older sisters did it, and I spent a lot of time in the gym watching them, so I decided to try it too. This is now my 8^th season, and I absolutely love it! Cheerleading has become my second family, and I wouldn’t be where I am today if I hadn’t had the support of my family and friends. I am truly honored to be chosen as an Epic Elite Athlete this year.

Outside of cheer, I participate in National Junior Honor Society and have maintained straight A’s. I participate in various community events and have collected money to help the Humane Society. I am a huge animal lover. I have collected and donated books and stuffed animals to the local pediatric office and hospital to help promote literacy and reading. The stuffed animals help make the hospital a little less scary for those admitted.

Cheerleading has helped me become the person I am today. I have always been a little quiet and shy; however, cheer has given me a tremendous amount of confidence and self-esteem. Cheer has taught me about being a team member and that everyone wins and loses together. I try to be the best role model I can be for all other athletes, both boys and girls, to believe in themselves and work hard.

My dream is to be on a worlds team when I finally become old enough. I have set goals and have worked hard to achieve them. I spend anywhere from 15-20 hours a week in the gym practicing. I love being in the gym and helping the other athletes, even if it is just by being there to encourage them through their practices or private lessons. Cheerleading has helped me learn to balance my time and set priorities to obtain my goals.

I know that even after I achieve a goal, that I can still make it better. I’m more my own worst critic, and I push myself constantly.  I also know that I couldn’t have done it alone.  Having self-drive is important, but I have been fortunate enough to have numerous coaches with me every step of the way. I have also had many positive role models encouraging me to be the best cheerleader I can be.  I hope to return the favor to my sports future athletes.

Over the last eight years I have been on various levels, and I have learned valuable lessons each year and every level I have represented. I have cheered on a Tiny level 1 for 2 years, Mini 1 for two years, Youth 2 for one year, Youth 3 for 2 years, Senior 4 for 1 year, Senior Restricted 5 for one year, and Junior 5 for the last five years. Last year my Junior 5 team got disbanded in February, and I got moved to a level 4. I was determined to finish the year and continue to do my best even though I was moved down a level. I could have walked away like most of the team did, but instead, I gave 100% percent and finished the season. I learned it wasn’t about winning but doing what you believe is right.

I’m only in sixth grade, but I hope to be a Forensic Pathologist when I grow up so that I can continue to help people. I hope to continue my cheer career and cheer in college. I still have 8 more seasons of all-star and look forward to becoming an Epic role model that is supportive and offers encouragement to everyone.

Being an Epic Athlete means that I am focused and determined to lead by example. I believe in sportsmanship and treating everyone fairly. You never know who may be watching and looking up to you. I believe all levels of cheer are just as important, and I remember looking up to the older levels when I started.  Even though I am still a junior level athlete, I know I can be a positive role model that others can look up to as well.