After wanting to try something new, the Woodstock native ended up as a global cheerleading champion
Woodstock’s Lola Foster began her athletic journey in gymnastics at the age of five, but after eight years, she retired. At age 15, she decided to try something new.
“I’d just done eight years in gymnastics and decided it was time to retire, but I knew I still wanted to do something. I was given an opportunity to try out for a cheer team in Fredericton, which is where I spent four years,” said Foster.
Throughout high school, Foster travelled from Woodstock to Fredericton two times a week for training. Her commitment was driven by her newfound love for the sport. Foster says she knew early on that cheer was the sport for her. Immediately, she connected with the team aspect and camaraderie that came with it.
Her mom, Hayley Foster, says she saw a dramatic transformation in Foster as she transitioned from gymnastics to cheer.
“Seeing her from when she was in gymnastics to when she walked into that gym for cheer, it was a completely different person. She just flourished at cheer; she loved it, and she loved the inclusion that cheer gives,” said Hayley.
Both Lola and Hayley say inclusion is a big part of cheer; it provides a sense of belonging and acceptance.
“Cheer doesn’t discriminate against any body type, any disability, anything,” said Hayley.
Foster has gone on to achieve big accomplishments in her career. This spring, Foster finished her first year in Kinesiology at Dalhousie University, where she is part of the cheer team.
Lola practices twice a week with her school’s team while balancing her Team Canada schedule and school on top of it all.
“I’m very organized, so I was able to study around my DAL [Dalhousie University] cheer and Team Canada practices. Exam times were stressful, but both teams are very supportive of schooling,” said Lola.
The young cheerleader has competed three times at the World Cheer Championships in Orlando for Team Canada. She and her team took gold this year, beating out Australia and England. Last year, the team took home silver.
“When they announced the silver medalists as Australia, I knew then we had it. I wanted to celebrate then, but we were mindful that Australia still had to celebrate their win,” said Lola.
“I felt very emotional and proud when they announced our win. This is what every cheerleader dreams of winning a world championship and to be representing your country is something else.”
Hayley says she is “so proud” watching her daughter compete. One of her favourite memories of watching her is from Worlds, when she and her teammates ran out with their flag, gathered with the other countries, and everyone got along.
“It was so emotional in Florida this time when they won World Championships. Seeing her this time, it was so emotional,” said Hayley.
Foster’s love for the sport keeps her playing. She hopes to continue cheering for Dalhousie throughout her university studies and is driven to win at Worlds again.
“I will continue to cheer with DAL hopefully, and who knows, maybe another world championships,” said Lola.
