To be a good cheerleader, you have to be physically strong.  To be a great cheerleader, you also have to be mentally strong.  I’ve written about  mental toughness before and I’ve identified 8 qualities connected to mental toughness; I call them the “8 C’s” and here they are: 1) Championship mindset; 2) Concentration; 3) Composure; 4) Come-back from mistakes: 5) Clarity about motivation; 6) Commitment: 7) Confidence; and  Courage. 

A good example of a mentally tough athlete is 17 year old tennis star Melanie Oudin who won her first match at the US Open on Monday (she lost on Wednesday but not before winning the hearts of an international audience). 

From all accounts, Melanie Oudin demonstrated mental toughness from the beginning of her tennis career. 

One of Melanie’s coaches, Noel Wadawu said that everyone saw that mental toughness in Melanie from the day she first walked onto the courts (in Sandy Spring, Ga.).  “She was nine year old…not too many kids come out her and, when you say, okay, let’s try to hit 200 balls in a row, and you’ve got ot do it until you get it-she did it every single time.” 

Wadawu went onto to say, “It’s always been a mental game (for Melanie); she is simple focused entirely on her game. Mental toughness.  You just don’t see too many kids that focused.”

By the way, Melanie wears custom designed yellow and pink shoes with the word “BELIEVE” inscribed on the heel.  What do you think this says about her?  Belief in your ability to perform well contributes to mental toughness.