There is nothing worse than a stereotype. We’ve all been exposed to them and labeled as one. Other groups are exposed more than others. I’m here to debunk a few misconceptions and stereotypes about cheerleaders and cheerleading itself.

Despite what many people think and feel, cheerleaders aren’t just small, skinny, blonde, snobs. They are in reality good friends to have, above average students and exceptional athletes who come in all sorts of sizes and shapes.

Here are some of the most common myths about cheerleading with actual facts to back the statements up. Hopefully after reading these, your opinions on cheerleading will be more positive.

• Cheerleaders Have to Be Thin or Skinny - It is a common and disturbing, false impression that cheerleaders have to be thin. Cheerleaders just like any other people come in all shapes and sizes. It’s their skill and ability that is important, not their dress size.

• Cheerleaders Can't be Tall - Height is not a major factor for cheerleaders. As a matter of fact, it is a non-factor. Your height will play a part in deciding your position on the squad, but not whether or not you'll make the team.

• You Have to Have Small Feet to Be a Cheerleader – Why would the size of your feet be a factor in how much spirit you have? Don't let your shoe size discourage you from trying out but focus on the size of your heart and your love of the sport, instead.

• Cheerleaders Are Not Intelligent – Here is a nice fact for you to tell anyone who claims that cheerleaders are not smart: 83% of all cheerleaders have a 'B' grade point average or better. We have to be fast thinkers and need to concentrate on the task at hand.

• Cheerleaders Are Not Athletes – Next time there is a televised cheerleading competition, I want you to take notice of the skills involved, and tell me that cheerleaders are not exceptional athletes. You’d be lying otherwise. To perform their activities, they must be as strong as any football player, as poised as any dancer and as flexible as the best gymnasts. They are athletes by every definition of the word.

• Cheerleaders Are All Blondes – Cheerleaders can have blonde hair, brown hair, red hair, purple hair or no hair. The color of your hair does not make you a cheerleader, nor will it earn you a place on the squad. You need the drive and determination to be a cheerleader, not a certain hair color.

• Cheerleading Is a Popularity Contest – Yes. Most cheerleaders are popular, but that's because they possess outgoing personalities, not because of a certain clique they fit in with.

• Cheerleading Is for Girls, Not Guys – Here’s a fact that is going to send shivers down the spines of some men: Cheerleading originated with men. Did that make them any less of a guy? No. Male cheerleaders are a significant and important part of cheerleading. They are expected to catch the girls from the air, saving them from getting hurt.

• Cheerleaders Are Snobs – I’m going to personally debunk this silly myth. Members of cheerleading squads spend a lot of time together. They practice together everyday after school, they attend games together and they even go to competitions together. They share the same love of cheerleading and their goals are often similar. It is like the squad has become their second family. It is just natural for them to want to hang out together at school, lunch and breaks. Because you see them talking as a group, that doesn't make them snobs.

• Cheerleading Is Not Dangerous - With all the tumbling, stunting and dancing that present day cheerleaders do, there is talk that the sport is becoming too dangerous. As with any athletic activity, cheerleading possesses some dangers, but if done correctly and if all safety guidelines are followed, it is not any more dangerous than any other sport.