Player to Watch: Dominique Parks

In eighth grade, Dominique Parks ('14) walked into cheer tryouts not expecting to make the team. Flash forward to senior year with Parks in her present day position on the team as captain–conveying all the necessary characteristics a leader must possess to steer an award winning cheer team in the right direction.According to coach Amy Meadors, Parks is succeeding in her role as captain."She has really leaped into her leadership role as team captain and she has worked hard on helping her team advance in competitive skills," Meadors said.Parks has not only received recognition from her coach and teammates, but from outsiders as well."I received the All-American award at cheer camp and from that, had the opportunity to go to London and perform in the London New Years Day Parade," Parks said.According to Kate Story ('14), Parks has always been the one to go to when she needs any help with stunts or simply to get some positive encouragement."I would be absolutely terrible without her," Story said. "I can't imagine being on cheer without [Parks]."Teammate Madison Garret ('17) said that Parks has been a great leader and example for her, this being Garret's first year on the team."She has actually been a huge role model for me this year starting cheer," Garret said. "Not only does she act as a friend to us, but she's also serious about us learning and being the best at what we do."Parks said that cheer has not only provided a safe and fun environment for her throughout her high school career, but has also helped her through some tough times."When I was in eighth grade I went through a really low point [but] cheer helped me get out of it and it changed my life completely," Parks said.According to Parks, a leader must have many characteristics to be successful, but most important is the ability to work as a team. As a base herself, Parks has other cheerleaders put their faith and trust into her not only as a leader but also as a safety net for their physical fall."I think the most important character trait one must have is commitment. If one person isn't absolutely committed to the team, it lowers the entire team's morale," Parks said.bross@thesamohi.com