Type of sport matter?

[pkelly6]

Assuming two candidates are equal in all respects sans sports, any idea if type of sport ever factors in the decision process?

This year my daughter will be on varsity football cheer, varsity basketball cheer, competition cheer and varsity track, and although cheer may not have the same physical requirements of say, football or hockey, the time commitment for practice and games as well as the ability to juggle school, work, etc. I imagine is similar.

BTW, she was selected all American this past summer and just received an award for her superior attitude and sportsmanship from a different cheer organization (5 out of 250 girls received). Not that any of that is relevant, just proud of her is all.

Thanks for your insight.

 

[JettAirliner]

Team sports may be looked at in the best light, but any varsity athlete is good, really. Especially All-American.

 

[osdad]

There's no doubt that cheer is a demanding activity - but the question is; does the NA view it at the same level as other sports. I can only speculate but would have to vote, No, they do not. The NA appears to be very traditional in how it deals with sports on the field - evidenced by the attention and resources paid to football - so I have to think they retain that attitude in admissions.

Does anyone know if they recruit for cheer - like they do other varsity sports?

All that nonsense aside, her committment to and honors in cheer and her varsity track experience should serve her well. You have a right to be proud. As another poster said; raising great daughters is about as good as it gets.

 

[usna1985]

To me, the key issue with cheering is whether it's the "physically demanding" version -- lots of running, gymnastics, etc. or the more traditional "rah rah." I don't intend to be disparaging of the latter nor is this the forum to debate the styles.

If the former, I would be sure to indicate how physically demanding the program is. Perhaps consider a letter of rec from the coach commenting on the workout regimen, etc. It is a team sport and can be just as challenging as others -- really depends on how the program is run. That plus a great CFA should be fine.

My view in sports is that you should do what you enjoy, not what "looks good" for USNA or any other college. The big thing for the SAs is that the person enjoy sports (b/c they are such an integral part of life at any SA) and that the person be physically fit. Teamwork is also important, but there are other ways to demonstrate teamwork.

Now, if it's "rah rah" cheer (which is perfectly fine), that would be considered by USNA to be more of an ECA than a sport. Having varsity track is great. So, for your DD, even the "rah rah" cheer won't be an issue. If it's the only sport for someone . . . well, max out on the CFA.