Just like that, it’s all over.

Welcome back, sadly for the last time, to Diary of a Cheerleader.

This month’s article is a little different to our others as unfortunately, it’s time for the DMU Saints to say goodbye. It’s a weird time right now, and none of us could have predicted how the end of the season would play out. I asked Grace, our secretary, to tell us how she feels about the season, as it’s her last year here with the Saints. Keep reading to hear from her.

What Happened

“Before we’d realised, the season was over.”

ICC rightfully made the decision to postpone nationals to June due to Covid-19. Unfortunately, as a university team, a competition at that time of the year just isn’t feasible. We had to make the decision to pull ourselves from the competition.

From there, our university made the decision to cancel all sports related activities. This meant no more training, no sports awards, and no varsity. We, whilst saddened by the decision, understand completely the precautions taken to keep all of our athletes as safe and healthy as possible.

And that was that. Before we’d even realised, the season was over.

Our incredible Varsity Game Day Squad never got their opportunity to show off their hard work.

For some of our athletes, this is a sad end to their last year on the Saints. It can be hard to remain positive in such overwhelming and difficult times. We want to take the opportunity to ask all of our readers to make the best decisions you can during this pandemic. Please stay home wherever possible. Wash your hands frequently, and don’t touch your face. Don’t forget to clean your phone. Progress relies on us all working together.

I caught up with Grace to find out how she’s been feeling in the wake of the pandemic putting the season to an end:

This was my last year on the team this year and I am absolutely devastated it has been cut short.

I don’t think it has actually hit me that I won’t see my team again…

“I feel robbed of memories, experiences, and friends.”

The fact that we have only performed once this year is overwhelmingly disappointing. This year we had been working exceptionally hard, with starting a level 3 team and the varsity team as well as this incredible opportunity with Cheer from Head to Toe. It was planned we would be competing at 2 university national competitions (for the first time), competing at varsity, the varsity team performing at varsity game and finally a showcase to raise awareness and products for the hygiene bank.

After putting 3 years of full commitment to this uni and this cheer team for it to so suddenly be cut short is awful.

“I am honestly heartbroken…”

I feel robbed of memories, experiences, and friends. The situation escalated so quickly that goodbyes were not said, to friends of 3 years and we are now all dispersed around the world again. It is hard to find peace when nothing has been concluded, no relief that the season is over and the hard work worth it, nor that we have completed our degree.

I don’t believe that I would have ever felt ready to leave uni. I had spent the majority of the year denying that I would be going; missing out on the final hurdles and accomplishments have made it all the more difficult.

I am honestly heartbroken that through all of this we final year students may not even graduate conclusively, though all university students are continually pushed to complete work towards deadlines without full access to support or necessary equipment. Motivation has been lost and tears are constant.

I am still so proud of our achievements this year including 3rd and 2nd place at Future cheer as well as nominations for DMU’s sports awards: most inclusive sport and best coach (varsity team coach Fiona).

I will miss every person on the team that I have cheered with past and present, and I will be back, I refuse to leave like this.

“…I refuse to leave like this.”

What’s Going on For Us

You might be wondering what’s next for the Saints.

I can tell you that our student elections are now underway which is extremely exciting. This is where our members begin campaigning in the hopes of being elected for a role in committee. These roles are vital in keeping cheerleading and the DMU Saints running at the university. It’s always exciting seeing who’s going for what.

In the coming weeks, I’m hoping to make some little ‘season in review’ videos for our Varsity squad and competitive teams. It’s always nice to look back.

Soon we will be hearing back from DMU Sports regarding the Sports Awards, in which we were lucky enough to be nominated for 2 awards! These awards are: Most Inclusive Club, and our Varsity coach, Fiona, is nominated for Coach of the Year! Fingers crossed we win.

Thank You

We want to say a massive thank you to all those that have followed our journey this season. It’s been one of our harder ones, with A LOT of bumps in the road. Thank you Cheer from Head to Toe for giving us a platform such as this. Thank you to Primacy Cheer for beautiful bows and taking a chance on taking part in a sponsorship. We hope that we did you proud. To whoever writes the next Diary of a Cheerleader: Have fun with it. It’s a great way to reflect on what you’re doing.

Finally, since this is the last time you’ll be hearing from me (Abbey) and the Saints, please consider following us on one of the platforms below:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/dmusaints

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dmusaints/?hl=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DmuSaintsCheerleadingSquad/

For beautiful bows like ours, check out Primacy Cheer below:

https://www.primacycheer.com/

Much Love, DMU Saints

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