Today, Wicked: For Good finally hits theaters — and as someone who grew up on the soundtrack, “For Good” has always stayed with me.
It’s a song about impact. About the people who walk into your life, shift something inside you, and leave you better than you were.

And honestly? That’s cheer.
And that’s mental health.

There’s something magical about competition season. The music, the sparkly uniforms, the nerves that somehow feel exciting instead of scary. For many cheerleaders, this time of year is the heartbeat of the sport — the moment everything they’ve worked for finally comes together.

But comp season also shows up right when the days get colder, darker, and shorter. And for a lot of athletes, that shift in the weather brings a shift in their mood… one they don’t always recognize.

Cheerleaders are known for their sparkle — the bright uniforms, the sharp motions, the clean routines, the confidence, and of course… the smile.
From the outside, it looks effortless. But anyone who has spent time in the cheer world knows the truth: behind that smile, there’s often a whole lot more going on.