I started cheerleading when I was in middle school. I had been doing rhythmic gymnastics since I was three years old, but I have a body type that easily builds muscle, and rhythmic gymnastics, which requires flexibility, no longer suited me. While I was wondering what to do, my mother suggested cheerleading. I felt that cheerleading had great potential because it allowed me to view my insecurities in a positive light, and even turn them into strengths.

Cheerleading involves a variety of movements that you would never experience in everyday life. For example, lifting people up in stunts. The sense of accomplishment when a trick is successfully performed, and the process of refining a routine in cooperation with teammates for a "one-time" competition, are the real joys of cheerleading. I dedicated myself to cheerleading in middle and high school, and naturally came to want to continue cheerleading in college as well.

This year, our generation will continue to serve as the team leaders, as we did last year. After consulting with the coach and director, we decided that it would be best for the fourth-year students, as the senior class, to take on leadership roles and work smoothly with the other grades, drawing on our experience from the previous year. Personally, I felt that we weren't able to deliver a performance that I was truly satisfied with last year. Based on that reflection, the team leaders and I are discussing every day how we can deliver an even better performance.

As club president, I make it a point to take the lead in my own daily conduct. I make sure not to neglect basic manners such as greetings and responses, not just practice. Rather than demanding something from the younger members, I focus on "doing" things myself first. I would be happy if that inspires the younger members to work hard as well.

I also believe it's important to genuinely connect with each and every teammate. If I see someone struggling during practice, or even getting emotional, I make a point of talking to them and making sure they don't feel alone. I also try to tailor my words of encouragement and advice to each individual's personality. I believe that these daily efforts will strengthen the overall unity of the team.

One of the things we're focusing on this year is the three-tiered back technique (a combination technique performed in a three-tiered pyramid, using specific back positions). Since physical strengthening is essential, in addition to basic training, we all go to the training center in between classes. Balancing academics and training is tough, but we're working hard towards our goal of "finishing in the top 5 at the JAPAN CUP."

This year's team slogan is "Super Strongest." This slogan means,

Super: To surpass our past selves
Best: To make it the best year ever
Strength: Both I and the team will become even stronger.

This name embodies our desire to use last year's disappointment as motivation to create the best team we could ever imagine.

At the Kanto Championships held in June, I received a score of 209 points, which allowed me to finish in third place. I felt that I was able to perform to my satisfaction, but I am not content with this and am practicing to reach even greater heights. I would like to score 215 points or more at the JAPAN CUP to be held at the end of August.

We will never forget our gratitude to everyone who supports and encourages us every day, and we will continue to strive to become the "ultimate strongest" team.