The biggest challenge facing Goldsmiths Lions Cheerleading next season will be maintaining our high levels of dedication, enthusiasm and trust that have ultimately led to us being crowned national champions. As President, I want to be the driving force behind our team, making sure everyone is supported and ready to dominate when the time comes. 

Working closely with the committee members, I want to instill a culture of commitment and hard work into our team, acting as a role model to new members, as well as a teammate. Having only started cheer this year, I have learnt so much from our returners. Their encouragement and advice has been invaluable so I’m looking forward to helping our freshers in the same way next season. Recruiting new teammates will be a challenge at the start of the season, and one we must prepare for. I want to make sure we are going beyond sitting on our stall at the Fresher's Fair. I want to work with the committee to create a strong social media presence in preparation for September. When I was thinking last summer about what sports team to join, I would go onto all the Instagram accounts for the teams to gauge whether I would enjoy being on that team. By sharing videos over the summer, we can keep our engagement high and hopefully inspire people to come to tryouts.

Of course, cheer is not all about the training; our socials play a big part in bringing the team together too. I would like to work with the social secs next season to organise more daytime sober socials. I find it stressful travelling at night, particularly in the winter when it gets dark really early, and I know I’m not the only one. It would be beneficial to arrange activities in the day on weekends for those of us who don’t always want to travel in the evening or drink to strengthen our inclusivity.

Katie has had such a strong presidency this year and she is leaving big shoes to fill. To ensure there is a smooth handover, I would like to work with Katie in the coming months to understand the role in its entirety as I am aware a lot goes on behind the scenes that often goes unnoticed. Having had extensive experience working in an administrative role for an MP over the last year, I believe I have the skills required to effectively execute to the role of President. In my administrative role, my main job is to communicate with constituents and organisations on behalf of the MP, much like how the President must work with the Students Union and competition organisers to ensure everything is booked up and all athletes can compete. My dedication to the team will drive me to work hard and make sure I am always on top of things. 

I want to make sure our team has another victorious season, and hopefully I will be able to do this as your President.