Athlete of the Week: Kaitlynn Siefert

School spirit keeps on going thanks to the help of cheerleaders like Kaitlynn Siefert.
Greg Byrd | El Defensor Chieftain

Senior Kaitlynn Siefert has been cheering since the summer of her sophomore year at Socorro High School.

Question: What got you into cheerleading?

Answer: My friends enjoyed it. I really wanted to be a part of a big club that I had the chance to be involved in.

Q: What does your team do best?

A: I would have to say our “stunting” moves. We get a lot of stunt moves up. But we’re just great at overall spirit. Our team is positive every week.

Q: How would you respond to those that believe cheerleading is not a sport?

A: Most people don’t see what goes on behind the scenes. It’s like 9-10 hours per week in practice. Then you have preparation for the games every week. Our bodies are sore all the time. I feel like we put in just as much work as the traditional sports do. We put our blood, sweat and tears into this just like the popular sports do.

Q: Is it fun cheering for Socorro?

A: No question. I wasn’t born here but being in a small community like this, it creates a family atmosphere amongst our team. We have a tighter connection as a group.

Q: What was the best moment of your time cheering with Socorro?

A: When we cheered at the UNM football stadium for the State Championship game last year. It was amazing as there were six to seven girls that went. Being on this huge field and representing a small school was amazing.

Q: What is your favorite sport to cheer for?

A: I like football season. It’s a night and we’re under the bright lights. I feel like cheering outside is a lot more fun than on the inside.

Q: What is your favorite sport that you do not play?

A: I really enjoy soccer. I have a ton of friends that play soccer. It’s exciting but also full of long games. Being thrilling and also a great time-waster appeals to me.

Q: What is your favorite professional sports team?

A: I don’t really have a favorite. I don’t watch sports much. I suppose I would have to say the San Francisco Giants as I grew up watching that team with my dad.

Q: What is your favorite Olympic sport?

A: Gymnastics of course. Watching makes me jealous and want to get to that point.

Q: If you could have dinner with one person, living or dead, who would it be?

A: The Rock. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. I don’t know why, but he seems like he laughs a lot and is always funny and I laugh a lot myself