During her fourth year on the varsity cheerleading team, Emily Weiss, senior captain and all conference athlete, hopes the team will advance to state for the first time.

What is your favorite part of cheerleading?

“I love that our team gets so close. We’re together so often we become a family. We’re always there for each other.”

What advice would you give to other GBS athletes?

“Just to continuously work hard and to not compare yourself to athletes around you.”

What were your goals this season?

“To score the highest in GBS history. Hopefully that score will get us to IHSA state for the first time. Also, to give each performance our all and be proud of everything we do.”

What was your favorite memory this season?

“My favorite memory is probably the pep rally performance. It’s always my favorite one and this year was the best. Everyone’s so into it and having a lot of fun. There’s really nothing else like it.”

What is one thing you can’t live without?

“[I can’t live without] my family.”

Do you have any pregame rituals?

“Before we compete I kind of distance myself and like to sit where it’s quiet. It helps me relax and calm my nerves.”

If you won the lottery what would you buy first?

“I would probably put it towards college, so I don’t need to worry about that later in life. I would also give some of it to my parents.”