"No one," I say, shaking my head.
My friend studies my face for a moment, then glances toward the coach before moving closer to me to declare, "I think she's fed up with managing the team."
My eyes widen, and my roommate continues, "I overheard her on the phone. If it were up to her, she'd be far from here."
"She doesn't want to coach the team anymore?"
Saphya shrugs. "I think she had other plans in life, but she was offered a position at OMU that she didn't dare refuse. She's been working here for five years." I turn my attention back to the young woman while Saphya adds more information. "She was the most talented cheerleader OMU ever had."
"Being good at flying doesn't make a cheerleader a good coach." I realize my words might be confusing, and I stammer an explanation, "I'm not questioning her skills, it's just an observation."
Saphya places a reassuring hand on my arm. "Don't worry, she's aware of that. I'm convinced she's waiting for the first opportunityto bail."
A pyramid collapses on the mat, and I can see the disappointment and frustration on the athletes' faces.
"All they need to do is swap the base elements and it would work," I observe.
Out of the corner of my eye, I see Saphya watching me. Then, without warning, she stands up and walks toward Linda. As she approaches the coach, I feel my heart beating faster. I should have kept quiet! Despite what Saphya just told me, I'm certain Linda won't appreciate me meddling in her business. Plus, I'm nobody...
My thoughts are interrupted by my friend's voice. "Dixie! Come here!"
I give her a wide-eyed look and shake my head, but she waves her hand, drawing the attention of the cheerleaders on the mat. My cheeks burn as I walk toward Linda, who still has her back to me. When I'm close enough, she turns and gives me an encouraging smile. "Saphya tells me you have an idea for making the lifts work?"
I nod without daring to speak. Whatever my friend might think, Linda is the official coach of the team. She has complete authority over her cheerleaders.
"Come on, explain it to her," Saphya urges me.
I furrow my brow, then tell myself that the worst thing that could happen is being banned from team practices, so I take a deep breath before diving in. "I think Jordan needs to change positions. Another cheerleader could replace him."
Linda stares at me for a moment, and I think she's going to send me packing, but she surprises me by saying, "JJ insists on working together, but I'm in charge, and you’re right. I just decided I want to give your idea a chance."
She punctuates her response with a broad smile. I relax a little.
"Jordan! Silvio! Come here!"
The two young men break away from the group and approach the coach. "We're going to redo the new routine, but I want you to switch positions."
Silvio simply nods, but Jordan's reaction surprises me, he looks relieved! They head back to the mat as Linda shouts, "Let's start from the beginning!"
Immediately, the team gets into position. The choreography goes well until they reach the part where they have to launch three girls simultaneously. I hold my breath as the cheerleaders propel their partners into the air.
A wave of stress washes over me. If there were the slightest problem, the smallest injury, it would be my fault.
My thoughts are cut short: the three young women land in perfect synchronization and, where Jessy's base had lacked stability before, everything goes smoothly now. The whole team applauds and I smile, half-relieved, half-proud that my advice has paid off.
"That was perfect," Linda compliments them.
Some high-five each other in congratulation while others simply smile, but they all seem more relaxed.
"You're made to be a coach," Saphya whispers to me.
I shake my head, not wanting to go down that path."That was just one piece of advice. Going from that to training a team is a huge leap I'm not ready to make. Especially since I gave upcheera long time ago, and I'm way too young."
But when Saphya gets an idea in her head, it's hard to change her mind. "It's like riding a bike, you never forget. And besides, would you want to wait until you're fifty to coach young people?"
I laugh.
"Trust me,cheeris much more complicated and dangerousthan riding a bike. The girls risk their lives every time they fly. And no, I wouldn't want to wait that long, it's just that becoming a coach isn't part of my plans."
