Cassidy Rydell
Cassidy Rydell has never stopped dancing, she’s just picked up a new style.
The Coupeville High School senior, a 13-year veteran of the world of ballet, has brought her dance moves into the world of cheerleading this year.
As a first-time member of the Wolf cheer squad, which is coached by former Seattle Sonics dancer Cheridan Eck, she’s been able to keep her love of dance going, even if she’s no longer wearing toe shoes.
“I wanted to keep doing something similar and cheer happened to be exactly what I was looking for,” Rydell said. “Being a former dancer, I love it when we have routines that involve any type of dancing; whenever we learn something new it creates a new challenge.”
And while CHS officials still want to call cheer an activity and not a sport, Rydell knows first-hand the sweat, blood and tears that go into being ready to perform.
“Try being able to do the splits and kick sky high,” she said. “Can the football players do it? No.
“It’s the same when people say that dancing isn’t a sport,” Rydell added. “They obviously haven’t seen the hard work that goes on behind the scenes.”
As she plans her future, she has goals of competing in track for the Wolves this spring and majoring in Communications in college.
Rydell is a member of the National Honor Society and picks English as her favorite class.
While she’s skilled in the classroom, her talents stretch out far beyond taking tests.
“I play piano and I love it!,” Rydell said. “I also enjoy singing, writing and, of course, dancing.”
Music is a huge part of her life, whether it’s her own performances or listening to her favorite bands, which include “my two all-time favorite bands at the moment, Owl City and OneRepublic.”
Through everything, she counts a close family member as her biggest fan and confidant, knowing that she’ll always be there to support her in whatever endeavors she picks up.
“My mom has had a HUGE impact on my life, she is the main reason I am who I am today,” Rydell said. “She is my best friend and I can tell her everything!”
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