League: Pro Cheer League
Kariss Humphries
INTERVIEW WITH Kariss
WHAT’S YOUR ROLE ON YOUR PCL TEAM?
- “My role on the PCL team is a flyer/tippie during the team routine. I’m also known for competing in the all-girl endurance game during the matches, where my group is currently undefeated. It’s been so much fun getting to compete with and against some of the GOATs of cheer that I’ve admired and respected in the pro league.”
WHAT’S ONE MOMENT FROM TRYOUTS OR TRAINING THAT MADE YOU THINK, “WOW, THIS IS THE PRO LEVEL”?
- “One moment from tryouts and training that made me realize, “Wow, this is pro,” was seeing some of the best and most well-known athletes show up to try out. Watching people throw double backflips and double backflip baskets was incredible. Just looking around and seeing that level of talent and elite skills happening constantly really pushed me to elevate my own performance and bring my best.
- Another moment was seeing cameras and a full media crew there filming and interviewing us. That’s when it really hit me that this was something special and that I was part of a truly elite group.”
WHAT SKILL OR ELEMENT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED TO HIT THIS SEASON?
- “The thing I’m most excited about this season is performing my elite stunt during the routine and staying consistent in winning the all-girl endurance game. I’m very critical when it comes to routines and the skills I’m performing, so I always push myself to be the best I can be.
- I’m also excited to showcase other parts of the routine that our creative coaches have designed for me to perform.”
WHAT’S ONE FUN OR UNEXPECTED FACT ABOUT YOU THAT FANS WOULD NEVER GUESS?
- “One unexpected thing fans might not know about me is that during my first year making a Worlds team, when I finally got to perform in the famous NCA arena, I was rushed to the hospital at 1 AM and later found out I had a 7mm kidney stone.
- I refused to let that stop me. With very little rest and while in severe pain, I still performed the next afternoon, not once, but twice, after the routine had to be restarted due to a teammate’s injury. On Day 2, with very little energy left, our routine had to be stopped again after I was accidentally poked in the eye and fell to the floor.
- Despite everything, I ended up performing four times that weekend in the arena while dealing with a kidney stone. We didn’t win, but nothing was going to stop me from competing in the place I had always dreamed of.”
WHAT’S YOUR MESSAGE TO FANS AS WE HEAD INTO THE FIRST PCL SEASON?
- “I’m grateful to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for this opportunity, and for every person who has supported me and Atlanta Air from the beginning.
- I’ve always dreamed of competing at the highest level and inspiring the next generation of athletes. My journey to get here hasn’t been easy, and my story is just beginning to be told.
- I’ve been the underdog my whole life, and if I can do it, any of you can too. I’m ready to inspire, ready to push myself to the limit, and ready to make this season unforgettable. Go Air!”