Sports Spotlight: Abi Holland | Observer Preps

As a senior captain on the West Orange varsity cheer squad, Abi Holland is only in her second

year of cheerleading. But she hopes to take her talents to either FSU or USF after she graduates in the spring. Before then, Holland will enjoy cheering on the Warriors on the basketball court while participating in competition season.

How long have you been cheering?

I started cheer last year. I did gymnastics up until my sophomore year, then I got injured, and then I started cheer when I was a junior.

So what got you interested in doing cheerleading?

It (cheerleading) incorporates some of the same things like tumbling. But actually who got me into cheer is the other captain Livy (Correa) — her mom made me try out.

What has been your favorite thing about cheering?

I just feel like we always — wherever we go — have a big spirit about us. We just kind of bring the fun wherever.

What is your favorite sport to be on the sidelines for, and why?

Football, for sure. A lot of fans come out, and it’s just electric — especially for home games.

Are there any other sports you enjoy?

I’ve always been into running — I run all the time. I’ve never officially done cross country or track, but I just run. If you have a good location and music; I just feel like it’s just relaxing. 

When you’re not cheering or doing homework, what do you like doing in your spare time?

I go to the beach a lot. Honestly, I just hang out with people on my team. I’m really into going to school events — I’m in SGA, so I’m really involved with volleyball games and stuff like that.

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?

I would probably go back to Arizona, because my family lives out there. It’s really pretty out there, and there are so many mountains. I’m obsessed with mountains.

If you could have anything to eat right now, what would it be?

I would say Jersey Mike’s — you can get anything there, and it just tastes so good.

Do you have any plans for after you graduate?

I actually plan to cheer in college, so that’s a big thing. I’m hoping either FSU or USF — I’m in-between. They both just have really strong all-girl teams, and I just really love Tallahassee and Tampa. I don’t know what I’m going to major in yet, but I plan to go to a four-year university.