Today we’d like to introduce you to Xelda XO Guerra.
Hi Xelda XO, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My name is Xelda XO Guerra. I am 8 years old and I am an Elite Cheerleader for Top Gun Miami. I first started cheering when I was about 4 years old. I was introduced to the sport through my mom who also cheered many years ago. Although I officially started at 4, my mom and dad basically commenced training me at home from the moment I could walk. And I am glad they did because it definitely got me going. Cheerleading has helped me in so many ways. It has allowed for me to not only come out of my shell, but it has also helped boost my confidence. Through cheer, I am able to test my strength and continue to grow belief in myself. Another thing I love about this amazing sport, are the beautiful friendships and sisterhood that I have been able to build throughout the last couple of years. That has for sure got to be one of the best parts of it all.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Although I am completely obsessed with the world of cheer, it has definitely, nor will it ever be a smooth road. We work so incredibly hard. There are times that I have wondered if I would be able to hit my skills. Times where I asked myself “can I really do this?” Times that I wondered if I was noticed. But with a continuous need to prove not only to my coaches, my friends and family, but to myself that I am capable of doing whatever I put my mind to, I have been able to push through and accomplish every single goal that I have wanted to accomplish thus far. It is so grueling at times, but my coaches are so incredible. The program Top Gun Miami has built, is amazing. They will never allow me nor any other athlete that touches their gym mats to leave thinking that they are not enough. It is not always easy, but I trust their process because they have trust in me.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
As a young cheerleader, I would have to say that there are a couple of moments that I am proud of. The first, having received last season’s first banner at a competition. I worked so hard for that. I wanted it so badly and I wanted it THAT season. It proved that with passion, with heart and with talent, come great rewards. A second moment was when my team last season, the Golden Girls, won NCA in Dallas, Texas. We were Top Gun’s first Tiny Elite team to do it. To stand there and hear our names called, was such an amazing moment. I love my GG sisters. I was proud of us and our coaches, Coach Jodi, Coach Ty, Coach Lexi and Coach Bella, because it showed just how much time, energy and discipline it took to get there. Finally, my last moment, was when I made a Level 3 team, Trinity, this year. Til this day, I am still in shock. Never would I have imagined ever coming this far this at such a young age. I was so excited and I was thankful to my coaches for seeing in me what I always saw in myself, commitment, dedication and such an incredible love for this sport. I am looking to growing even more and to seeing the doors that may open. The next stop, is my upcoming line, Love by XO. Where I will be able to show even more of my artistic side by providing clothing items to cheerleaders so that they can look good and perform great in the most beautiful way.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
Every day in this sport is a risk. But it is a risk that I am willing to take because I love cheerleading so much. Some might say it is too much but life itself is scary. So I might as well take a chance at something that I am passionate about.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lovebyxo.com
- Instagram: @tg__theonlyxeldaxo
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@xeldaxocheers
Image Credits
Front Row Cheer Photos & Robert A. Guerra
