Despoina-Athina Mitaraki '23 Recruiting Profile

My first experience with cheerleading was during the National Team's tryouts, where I went after practicing the required skills alone at home, with the help of my athletic background. I have been dancing, especially ballet dance, since I was three years old and competing in rhythmic gymnastics national competitions from age ten to fifteen years old.

Of course, being a member of this team with little to no experience was extremely challenging but knowing I reached my maximum potential after every practice was genuinely rewarding. Feeling tired after a long-hour practice or way with public transport was nothing in front of stepping onto the competition floor full of self-confidence and energy making the audience feel the same great emotion. As time went by I improved and was able to support my team on a mental level too, as I am fortunately capable of working under pressure. As a cheerleader, I've been competing in the Cheerleading, Cheer hip-hop, and Cheer Pom categories last year and only in the Cheerleading category (all girls elite level 5) this year. Last year I participated in the Greek Cup ( 2 gold medals), the Nationals ( 2 gold medals), the Olympus Competition ( 2 gold medals), and the Europeans ICU Competition ( 4th place). This year I'm also participating in the ICU World Cheerleading Championships. As an athlete, I have strong flexibility, rhythm, coordination, balance, and discipline skills. I feel proud to be a cheerleader and grateful for the challenges I went through and the person they made me become.  

In my classroom, I study hard and maintain a high GPA. Besides cheerleading and dance (captain of our school's team), I often volunteer or take part in research and academic activities. I plan to study neuroscience and Human Developmental and Regenerative Biology and maximize my academic and personal potential while maximizing my charitable impact through the medical field. My highest goal is to significantly contribute to the research field, helping a far-reaching and inclusive range of human lives.

In fact, college is the last time that I can really compete at something I love before giving it up completely or joining a low-key seasonal adult league outside of work. I want to continue to be able to do it all: succeed in my classes while also succeeding at cheerleading, and creating once-in-lifetime experiences. I would truly love to take a step further by joining a college team.