Photo courtesy of Isabellah Perry

Albuquerque, New Mexico- We have a ton of talent in New Mexico, and each week, we want to highlight a couple of athletes to build on the already strong community that we have, here in the Land of Enchantment.

Next in our series is Albuquerque’s Isabellah Perry, a senior who has been a staple for the Hawks’ cheer program. Perry also recently returned from the Allstar World Championships in Orlando, Florida, she was a part of the 2026 championship team (senior-medium, level 4). Here are the questions we asked her.

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Q: What sports do you compete in?

A: I compete in high school and Allstar cheerleading.

Q: What got you involved in the sports that you currently participate in?

A: I grew up around my older sister who was also a cheerleader. I looked up to her and wanted to be a cheerleader as well. I started off on my elementary school cheer team when I was 6.

Q: Any favorite memories during your high school career?

A: My favorite memories are cheering the sidelines at every FNL, especially the rainy games and super close back-and-forth games. For Allstar cheer, there were many amazing memories and opportunities but my favorite, winning at the World Championship in Florida for Allstar cheer.

Q: Do you have a ritual or routine before you compete?

A: As I’m in warmups about to compete, I need to have a team prayer, stunt group talk, coat myself in bio freeze, put chalk on my hands and take 3 nausea pills. If it’s an Allstar competition my coach, Jen always traces a heart on my back, tells me she loves me and gives me a big hug.

Q: What is something that you wish more people would understand about your sport? Any mental or physical aspects that fly under the radar?

A:  I believe many people don’t truly understand cheerleading, and it is hard to fully understand if you don’t do it. The mental side of cheer is HUGE, it’s almost all about your mentality, your confidence, and control. If the mental factor of it isn’t fully there the physicality cannot carry alone. There is also a lot more injuries than some people would expect.

Q: What is a necessity for you at a meet or while you are cheering on the sidelines? AirPods, a certain snack, anything like that?

A: Wether it’s a competition or a game, before hand I always have to have my headphones in.

Q: What are some of your go-to songs to get you game-day ready? Or are there any songs that hype up the team?

A: It’s always either Drake and 21 savage, Lil Wayne type vibe or old school Tupac, 50 cent, Nelly, Usher, T-Pain.

Q: Besides athletics, what are some things you enjoy? Anything that would surprise some people?

A: Outside of athletics I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling, and doing any outdoor activities with my family.

Q: After a competition meet or game, how do you celebrate? Sleep, go to your favorite restaurant, what do you do?

A: I always go out to eat with my family,  take an Epsom salt bath and then, take the night to rest and sleep.

Q: What advice would you give to any freshman or any person thinking of trying out for cheer?

A: I would tell a freshman to be confident and push themselves. There’s going to be times when you have no motivation or it gets challenging, and you have to be able to believe in yourself and push yourself to your limits.