Senior Jeena Cumming has been lighting up the sidelines at Golden Valley High School with her energy, dedication, and team spirit. As a member of the cheer team, Jeena has become a familiar face at football games, pep rallies, and school events, proudly representing true GV pride.
When asked what first inspired her to start cheerleading, Jeena shared that her passion began long before she joined the team. “I’ve always been really interested in cheer. I used to watch cheer documentaries, and when I saw the opportunity to do it in high school, I took it,” she said. That early spark turned into a strong commitment that’s carried her through her high school years.
Cumming says her favorite part about being on the team is the excitement of performing and being part of the school’s spirit. “I think the experience that you get on the field and during basketball season—being able to cheer on the team and be a part of the GV spirit—is my favorite part,” she explained.
But like any sport, cheerleading comes with challenges. As a backspot, Jeena has faced the fear and pressure that come with her important position in stunts. “It’s very scary to be behind somebody because you don’t know if they’re going to fall, and it really impacts the stunt if you’re not there,” she said. “I just had to get confident and trust myself.”
Her confidence has clearly paid off. One of Jeena’s favorite memories was the Greece Rally, which she described as the team’s best performance this year. “That was definitely our best performance,” she said proudly.
Balancing schoolwork and cheer isn’t always easy, but Cumming manages it with discipline and good time management. “After practice, I make sure I get my work done—or before practice, or even in the morning when I have time,” she shared. The team practices twice a week, and Gina says staying organized helps her keep up with everything.
For those thinking about joining cheer, Jeena has some solid advice: “Just prepare yourself. There’s a lot of strength you need for the sport, and you’ll be sore sometimes from stunting, but it’s all worth it.”
Outside of cheer, Cumming enjoys soccer and has been exploring her passion for sports journalism—a field she hopes to pursue after high school. “I really want to pursue a career in sports journalism,” she said with excitement.
Coach Parcell had high praise for her senior cheerleader, saying, “Gina has excelled this year as a cheerleader. She has demonstrated true leadership and hard work. She loves to be out there performing and helped choreograph the homecoming performance.”
After two years on the team, Jeena has become a key part of Golden Valley’s cheer program—someone who not only brings energy and enthusiasm to the field but also inspires others to follow their passions with confidence.