A Cheerleader's Journey to Self-Acceptance Amid Parental Pressure

A cheerleader struggles with strict parental control over her diet and performance, but learns to embrace self-acceptance and personal worth beyond external expectations, finding support from friends and coaches along the way.

Full English Transcript of: Cheerleader CONTROLLED By STRICT MOM | Dhar Mann Studios

Who left a mess on the floor? WAIT, WAIT, WAIT, WAIT. Are you okay, man? You know, if you're seriously injured in the workplace, it might be worth speaking with a law firm that handles injury cases. Andy, get over here now. Quit messing around and plugging that jukebox, kid. That doesn't look safe. Do it or you're fired. Sir, there's a reason why you shouldn't trust your mean boss. Just like there's a reason why Morgan and Morgan is America's largest injury law firm.

They've been fighting for their clients for over 35 years. Sounds expensive. Actually, their fee is free unless you win. Andy, put these on. From now on, you're a skating waiter. Now, boss, this feels really unsafe. Less talking, more skating. What was the name of that injury law firm again? Morgan and Morgan. If you're injured due to someone else's negligence, you can visit forthepeople.com/darmmanstudios or you can click the link in the description to see if you have a case.

Can I go to the hospital now? Sure. Now, let's start today's video. Regionals are coming up. You want to fit in your cheer uniform, don't you? You're right, Mom. Sorry. gotcha. Not that you would have made that anyway, huh? Look, Roger, this is our court. Fans can go sit in the stands. I was just practicing. You're more of a sitting type, though. I think I saw a chocolate bar under the bleachers. Yeah, you should go get it, man.

Listen, bud. We got our championship game coming up, okay? You're going to have to leave our court. LET'S GO. LINE UP THE PRACTICE. Don't worry, bud. You'll always have a bench. Let's hustle up, Trey. You should really work for the NFL. It's the NBA, Jada. You know what I mean? We're out of position. The weak side's late. Nobody's tagging the ruler. English, please. Watch. He's about to drive. Nobody's in front of him. Now the big man steps in and he dumps it off.

Easy. Told you. I didn't know my best friend was psychic. Not psychic. I just study patterns. Miles, when are you going to get off the sidelines? Seriously? Take one look at me and then take a look at them. Take a look at this. You're overprepared. You can do it. There's no harm in trying. Anyone with eyes can see I'm not built for this. There's no place for me on the team. Frank, I want to be captain like you someday. Do you have any advice?

Sorry, she's busy. Do you not see us walking? Sorry. Who hoodie? Bro, you're like a walking billboard for a sport you're too fat to play. Hey, sorry. I was completely transfixed by basketball again. Shocker. You should really show these to Coach Davis. Look at me. Team could definitely use it. Yeah, right. There's no way he wants to hear from me. Coach doesn't even know my name. You literally predicted every single play last game. I mean, you know more than the entire team combined.

I'm just a fan. I'm just a fan of Cats Eye, but I can't predict the next single coming out. That's not the same. You know what I mean? I believe in you, and you should believe in yourself, too. Thanks, Shadow. Really, bye. Don't get motivational speaker on me. I watch a lot of Darmian. Want to watch the game with me tonight? Yeah, if you're paying for snacks. Sucks. Yeah. Sorry, coach. We'll get him next time. All right. I had the showers. We didn't adjust. They were overplaying the strong side and we never reversed it to the weak side.

Sounds right. Try and keep trying to cook instead of making a simple reading. Now our rotations have been late all night and this sleep. That's the difference between a contest and a bucket. I mean, you're right, but what's the point if you don't tell them? I mean, what's the point if they don't listen? Okay, come on. Let's debrief over some ice cream. I know. Yesterday's game was three losses in a row. You know, I don't want to be the bad guy, but I can't keep justifying this program in the budget when you are performing so poorly.

Just one more chance. This basketball team means everything to these kids and to me. Okay, fine. But if we have one more losing season, there won't be a basketball team next year. Did you eat the lunch that I packed for you? The veggies? Yeah. Why? You looked a little bloated during your routine. You know, you don't want these girls looking tighter than you. You know, maybe you need to up the cardio for the next game. Okay. We'll do good, cuz you want to look your best. I mean, how in the heck are these girls going to get you to the top of the pyramid if you're full of saturated fats?

Can we talk? Uh, sure. I heard your breakdown about the game last night outside the boys locker room. You did? I didn't mean anything by I was talking to my friend. You weren't wrong. Really? Why don't you come to my office during free period? You know, we'll look at some tapes if you want. Um, will Trent be there or the other players? No, it's just going to be you and me. Little uh strategy meeting. Wait, rewind that. See, when the elbow action gets denied, they flow into a dribble handle. But this pacing's tight.

The weak side defender sinks every time. Okay, this one. Late game. They don't trust your point guard as he runs on that to guard on the right wing. Force it out his hands. They get stagnant. They clear side for him here. We shade middle take away his pull-up. As soon as he drives baseline, we trap radar out of him. Make a point guard finish the possession. I want you on the bench next game if you want coaching with me. Me? Him? It's huge. How could he know anything about basketball? He's here for strategy. God knows that we need it. Now listen, I don't want to worry you, but this could be our last season as a team if we don't start improving. Well, I'm the captain.

Okay, I can fix it. Yeah, with Miles. Listen, I don't know what your plan is, but you don't belong anywhere near that court. Okay. I was just helping out Coach Davis. I'm not trying to step on anyone's toes. Good, cuz a fatty like you would definitely break my foot. You stay out of my way, Miles. Sure thing. It's at the game. You're not going to championships without a fight. IT'S HALFTIME AND WE'RE BARELY ON THE BOARD.

Calm down. Oh, I wouldn't have to calm down if you'd have missed five shots out there. Come on, bro. Relax. All right. Playing the blame game doesn't help. Miles, what do you got? You got this. Good. This is where we're breaking top lock. The reversal force it back middle. No clear side to side. Low man stays home. No overhelp. Make them finish their bodies. You heard the man. Let's run it. LET'S GO. HE GOT THIS. LISTEN, if this backfires, it's on you.

Hey, your plan worked. Great job today. Hey, coach. You saw that last basket I made, right? Uh-huh. He saw it was You're coming to every game now. Hey. Oh my goodness. That strategy was legit genius. I've never seen them play so good. No offense. None taken. You have a magic friend here. This guy. Come on, Trent. Damn. Hey, this isn't over. Auntie, you wouldn't believe what happened. Coach Davis has me student coaching. I'm on the bench talking strategy.

They even gave me a jersey. 13. Same number as dad. That's That's great, Miles. What's wrong? This is a big deal. I want you to support me. I'm I'm proud of you. I just don't want you to get hurt. Her? I'm not even really playing. I know. So, what's the problem? Just be careful with this basketball thing. Okay. I have very old feelings about it. I just can't imagine you getting hurt like your mom and dad.

Basketball has taken enough from this family. I knew you'd be on the basketball team, right? Miles, can I ask you something? Sure. Why do you still play basketball if everyone makes fun of you for it? Because it's mine. I know what I look like. I know what people say. But I don't need to look like them to see what they can't. And I'm sorry to like that part of me. I'd rather be me and get laughed at and be somebody else and be miserable. Your arms are so soft. Are you skipping weights?

No, Mom. I'm not. I'm only asking because I love you, you know, and you're up there representing our family. Unless you know that I was regional champion at your age. How could I forget when you constantly remind me? You can save the sarcasm. How about congrats or good job? I placed first today, you know. Yeah, but you won't next time if you keep eating the way that you're eating all the time. You missed my performance. Yeah, I was busy.

We need to talk about I don't like you talking to Miles. Miles? We've barely spoken. He's just nice. I saw you two talking at lunch. Okay. Okay. And I don't want people to think that you actually care about him. That's embarrassing to me. That's embarrassing to my reputation. Okay. I You're with me. You need to act like it. Captain Tens are coming up. The same one Dad never got to play. Auntie, will you come?

Miles, we know I can't. But this is what Dad would have wanted. This is why I've been doing this. I supported you on that bench and I let you do your plays, but I am not sitting in that gym again watching. It's too painful. I'm not asking you to watch dad's game. I'm asking you to watch mine. I am not ready to sit in that gym again. Guys, we need to tuck in our jerseys. Get ready for this game. Yes, sir. win this game. Jersey win this game. Yeah, we always have this like the rules of the game.

Better not go 152 one time. All right, let go. You did this. No, no, of course not, buddy. I wouldn't. Come on, man. Why would you do that? All right, gentlemen. Who did this? Trent. No, sir. Hey, look. Sorry, kid. We'll get you a new one. All my plates are destroyed. We'll talk about this later. Let's rally up. Look, maybe if we had an actual basketball mind helping us instead of just some kid who can't even keep track of his own notes. That's not fair. He No, no, no, no, no. It's almost like

brain that doesn't win championships. There's still the championship game. It's just one loss. Needed to win for my dad. I know what it's like for a parent to put a lot of pressure on you. It's not that. My dad was bugiz star player back in his day. The night of the championship senior year and me and my mom were driving to the game. My mom was pregnant with me at that time. They got into a bad car accident. They didn't make it. doctor should be able to save me. It was a miracle.

Oh my gosh, that's terrible. I lost both my parents and looks I lost that year without him. I'm so sorry, Miles. My aunt Denise took me in. In my head, I was hoping to make him proud somehow. I'm not even on the team. I'm on the sidelines. And I can't even do that right. It's not embarrassing. What's embarrassing is how I treated you before I knew you. You're the best thing that ever happened to that team. Trust me, they need you. But I know how I feel. My mom was a pro cheerleader, and that's why she makes me cheer. She monitors everything about my weight. She even counts my almonds. And if I gain as much as 2 lbs, she acts like I ruined her life. That's not cool.

I've been thinking a lot about what you said, about how you'd rather be yourself and get laughed at than somebody else and be miserable. And I've been doing what my mom wants my entire life. And I'm miserable. I'd rather be brave like you. You don't owe anyone a version of yourself. That's not true. What is it you want? Your dad would have been at that game no matter what. And I see the same thing in you. I was so scared of losing you that I almost took away the things that make you. I want you to go back. Your dad doesn't need a championship to be proud. He just needs you to try.

Will you come to the championship game? That is going to be so hard. Oh, I almost forgot. Jada dropped this off for you. Don't let fear bench you, Miles. Watch your shot. Yo, I've started on some new strategies. Thought you quit. That new notebook of yours better be waterproof. It doesn't matter this time. I memorized it. Let's check it out. The championship game is smart and our opponent, the Eagles, are strong defensively. But if we have we really do this, we have a great chance of winning.

Make sure that you have a light breakfast. You know, you don't want too many carbs before the championship. Go straight to your thighs. Got it. Okay. Well, I am going to go slice cucumbers for you. Okay. Sweetie, are you just smoothing out my uniform? Well, don't let it wrinkle. Hang it up. Go, bro. I'm open. MOTION FIVE. TREN MOTION FIVE. BRO, why didn't you listen, man? 5 6 7 8 T defense. Time. What are you doing? Huh? You keep ignoring Miles. He's trying to help us.

Can't keep going rogue out there. You're going to lose us to championship game. I know what I'm doing. Pass the law. Do you want to win or do you want to be right? Oh, good. I pick and roll. First three They're going to double trap. They've done it before. So we use that again. Miguel, go sit the screen. CL straight to the basket. Gory, stay in the corner. Be ready. If they trap you, pass it. Don't force it. Trust the pass. Wait, I'm not shooting. Not unless you're wide open.

This is it. Hands in. See, this is why we work so hard. You look so perfect out there. I don't want to cheer anymore, Mom. Excuse me. I've been doing what you want my entire life. The diets, the routines, smiling even when I'm miserable. I love you, but I'm done being your version of perfect. I think I'm going to sign up for our class. Hey, Trent. Hey, did you see me out there? Wasn't I great? Yeah, you were. But I'm done being your trophy. I'm choosing myself for the first time. So, good luck.

Congratulations, coach. We're champions. You proved me wrong. No, it wasn't me. It was Miles. Hey, good game, man. You, too. And uh thank you. Don't make me say it, but I told you so. You're right, Jada. So glad I did this.

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