Maddison Van Ieeuwen, Cheer/Dance
1. Tell me about your time here at OCC … what have you enjoyed the most out of it? And … what made you decide to come here in the first place?
I have truly loved every aspect of this college due to the numerous opportunities it has given me these past two years. Coming out of high school I was hesitant as to where I should attend college, yet after doing research on Orange Coast College, I decided to fulfill my prerequisites and general education courses for nursing here. This school has a beautiful, expanding campus with a variety of resources to better my education and academic career. I officially decided to come to this school because of the amazing dance team this school has presented. I noticed they had a competitive, winning dance team that seemed to achieve many National Championships for several years; because I grew up at a competitive dance studio, Impact Dance Center, I knew I wanted to try out for this prestigious team. Being on this remarkable team has led me to have everlasting friendships and a coach that I will always have in my life. My coach Britanee Roberts has mentored me over the past two years not only in dance, yet in my personal life as well. I am so honored and grateful to have been on a team having her as my coach who constantly supported and encouraged each and every one of us to be the best we can be and follow our dreams.
2. Has there been an athlete (from cheer or another sport) who has inspired you to perform at your best? What is it about that person that has inspired you so much?
My mother grew up as a professional dancer all her life and has definitely inspired and challenged me to my fullest ability. Because she knows the ins and outs of dance, her critiques and remarks truly mean the most to me; my mother has such an amazing dance background dancing on cruise ships, winning “Junior Miss Dancer of America” on Star Search, and performing at Disneyland. Whenever I am having an off day either with dance or life itself, she is my number one encourager and motivator to get up and push myself to my limits. If it wasn't for my mom, I would definitely not be where I am today in my dancing career.
3. So … one of the biggest misconceptions in the sports world that the cheerleaders or dance team just show up and rehearse a little bit and do their show and that’s it. I know there’s SO much more into this. Please share with us what the training regimen is and how much time you have to dedicate to become an elite performer at this level.
Growing up as a dancer, I constantly have been told that dancers should not be considered athletes or that dance is not considered a sport. I have to disagree due to the conditioning and training it takes to be able to compete on the floor; I have grown up dancing competitively since I was about thirteen and have tweaked my body because of the strenuous movements we have to endure as dancers. The month before we compete, we will have about five practices per week that may vary from 3-5 hours. Depending on if we have our coach's approval of our performance, she can keep us for however long she wants until satisfied. Not only do we have long rehearsals every week, yet we must practice outside of those rehearsals to maintain our stamina and core strength. If we are not hitting our turns consecutively, we must practice on our own timing to ensure we perfect every movement before we hit the stage.
4. Tell me about what it’s like to compete in these national competitions. What is that feeling like the day of the competition and the feelings you felt last year right before going on the stage and the feelings you felt after OCC won?
On the day of the competition I am filled with a mixture of emotions both excitement and nervousness; when I wake up, I start my morning with a prayer for God to relieve my stress to keep me calm and collected before performing. Throughout the day, we are listening to our music, and continuing to go over changes or fixes we must achieve on stage. Right before I hit the stage, I always pray that God will guide me throughout my performance and allow me to perform to the best of my ability. My stomach usually begins to turn a million times, until the music turns on; once the music hits, my body relies on muscle memory to achieve what I have been practicing for months. After we found out we were the national champions in Daytona, we were overwhelmed with joy, gratitude, and excitement. I have never been more excited in my life to achieve my first college national championship with a team filled with my best friends. We were screaming and then eventually ran in the water of Daytona Beach with our coach Britanee Roberts, who was also exhilarated. I am so thankful I was able to compete and be a part of this amazing winning dance team; this team will forever hold a special place in my heart.
5. How would your fellow cheerleader squad members describe who you are, if I were to ask them?
I think my teammates would describe me as a dedicated dancer, a leader, and team player as well. I will do whatever it takes to ensure that I am reaching my goals in terms of my abilities. Being a captain of this dance team the past year, has led me to gain perspective on how I can lead my teammates to their fullest potential. I have learned that with being a leader comes sacrifices and compromises that may not always go my way. I have loved leading my team this year because they have taught me to be confident within my self and stand my ground. When it comes to my team, if one is feeling down I will do my best to turn their frown upside down and encourage them. I love uplifting my peers and would consider myself to have a serving spirit. I love serving and helping my teammates to affirm they are enjoying their time at practices, yet outside of those as well.
6. Do you have any hobbies/interests outside of cheer? What do you like to do in your spare time?
During my free time, I love to hang out with my friends and family. I love to go get coffee and even go to the beach with my brother when I can. I also enjoy going to the gym and lifting light weights to maintain strength and stamina.
7. What is your favorite pre-event meal or snack?? What about after a competition??
My favorite pre-event snack is the Macro-protein bars; those keep me fueled for a couple of hours without me feeling bloated or heavy when performing. After the competition, my go-to meal is most definitely a flying dutchman from In N Out Burger. Even though I have worked at In N Out for four years now, I never get sick of their burgers or fries!
8. Favorite all-time Movie? AND … Favorite SPORTS movie?
My all-time favorite movie would have to be "The Greatest Showman" because of all of the insane talent in that movie. Of course, I love all of the dancers and acrobats presented in that movie and would love to even be a part of a movie production one day as a backup dancer. My favorite sports movie is "Bring it On"; although it is a dance movie, I still consider that a sport!
9. Favorite all-time Song?
My favorite all-time song would have to be "Thunderstruck" by AC/DC. My teammates are my first-hand witnesses when it comes to getting hype for our performances. Before we competed in Orlando, we were all getting ready in our rooms, and I played "Thunderstruck" at least five times in a row.
10. What’s the No. 1 travel destination on your Bucket List? OR What’s your No. 1 sporting event you want to see that’s tops on your bucket list?
I would love to go to Iceland because of how green and beautiful it is over there; my friend just recently traveled over there sending me numerous pictures, and I have truly never seen a place so beautiful. Also, I would love to see my boyfriend, Matthew Maloney, play in the MLB one day because I know that his dream will be fulfilled soon enough; that would definitely be the number one sporting event I would want to see at the very top of my bucket list.
