Shannon Stoffel, junior, is preparing for the State cheer competition this Sunday at Mizzou.

Stoffel started gymnastics when she was 4 years old and quit when she was 14 years old.

“I didn’t want to do it in college, and I wanted more of a social life,” Stoffel said. “Also, I really wanted to cheer in high school.”

She has been cheering since her freshman year, and has been on varsity since her sophomore year.

The cheer team practices four to five days a week so that they are well prepared and know their routine confidently to compete it and do their best. Stoffel said one of the best aspects of the team is how well they work together.

“We all get along really well and know how to motivate each other in order to do better,” Stoffel said.

Stoffel said the routine that the team is competing on Sunday is difficult, but they have been pretty consistent in doing well with it at practices. The team is nervous but at the same time very excited to compete.

“After our dress rehearsal Friday night, I feel the team will be a lot more confident and be fully prepared,” Stoffel said. “We know we can go out there and hit it.”

The dress rehearsal Friday starts at 7 p.m., and they compete around 6:30 p.m. on Sunday.