VYPE: What sport are you in and what position are you?
McKinley “Mackie” Johnson: Varsity Cheer and Stunt. I am a Flyer.
VYPEL What accomplishment or memory are you most proud of as a cheerleader?
MJ: Winning 5A Stunt State as a freshman after getting moved to varsity at the last minute is something I’ll never forget. Our team went through a lot of adversity, but we came together, fought through it, and won. Being given that opportunity, proving I deserved to be there, and being able to experience that with my teammates was really special.
VYPE: What has your sport taught you that makes you a better person?
MJ: Cheer has taught me always to remember what you are capable of doing. How to reach your full potential and push yourself to the limit. It has taught me to be a good person to others and how to be a leader and a role model for the younger girls.
VYPE: Who is your favorite teacher from any grade? Why?
MJ: Mrs. Clyma, my freshman English teacher, has had a big impact on me. She taught me a lot and always listened when I needed someone to talk to. My mom was also my 7th-grade reading teacher. She made class fun, helped me grow as a student, and helped me enjoy school again.
VYPE: Who inspires you?
MJ: Professional cheerleader Gabi Butler inspires me because she is an amazing tumbler and flyer. She works hard, stays dedicated, and is a great example of the athlete I want to become.
VYPE: Which teammate has left an impression on you and why?
MJ: I would have to say Kali Saunders. She has left the biggest impression on me because she is such a sweet and caring person. She always pushes me to be my best, but she also reminds me to stop, reset, and not stress myself out too much. She reminds me how much fun cheer is supposed to be. She has made a big impact on me, and I really appreciate her for everything.
VYPE: What’s the best advice anyone has given you?
MJ: One of my coaches told me, “If you keep overthinking, you won’t do it, but if you can imagine yourself doing it, you will.” That advice really helped me overcome mental blocks and gave me more confidence when throwing my tumbling passes. Also, my dad who always tells me, and my sisters, “Don’t Suck”. It’s something we have lived by for as long as I can remember. It means to go out there and just be as good as you can be without taking it so seriously.
VYPE: Here is your chance to give a shoutout or say thank you to anyone you wish.
MJ: Thanks to my coaches for believing in me, my teammates for always hyping me up and having my back, and my family for always supporting me.
