CLERMONT, Fla. —  It’s not typical to be a varsity athlete all four years of high school, but Madisyn Burchfield has used the opportunity to become a proven leader — both in cheerleading and at her church.

This Lake County Scholar Athlete goes above and beyond in her studies and also sets a good example for her teammates.

Early-morning practices always provide Burchfield with a boost and a challenge. 

“I look forward to it a lot just because I get to see a lot of the people I love to be around,” she said. “But it also stretches me, because I have to be willing to be uncomfortable.”

The senior at South Lake High School is dual-enrolled at Lake-Sumter State College, and she only goes back to the high school for cheer.  

“You have to get used to balancing the schedule with sports, the schedule with different dances and stuff like that,” Burchfield said. “But also take time to study for college classes. It takes a lot more time.” 

Burchfield has an impressive 4.8 grade point average. She’s taking a college course load of general education and electives, but said keeping up with her studies can be stressful. 

“A lot of times, if we have games or competitions, I can’t," she said. "So setting aside a day specifically for studying has really helped, so I can focus on both."

The cheerleader has been on the varsity squad all four years. Her coach, Lacie Mitchell, said Burchfield is a leader and sets a good example by living a life directed by prayer.

“My faith is actually the most important part of my entire life in a lot of the things I do,” Burchfield said. “I serve on three different worship teams — my parents are actually the pastors of my church.”

Her commitment to her faith and her teammates is strong. She said she hopes to lead by example to teach the importance of having your own morals and goals. 

“Just to simply be kind to other people, because a lot of people don’t ever see that, and you may be the only Jesus someone sees, so it’s important to be that light,” Burchfield said. 

Her team recently qualified for the state cheerleading competition at the University of Florida.

So what does Burchfield say to people who say cheering isn’t a sport?

“A lot of times people don’t actually know what cheerleading is,” she said. “All they see is sidelines. But the real sport of it is competition, because that’s when you actually have to adapt to each other.” 

When she’s finished soaring with the Eagles, Burchfield already has her future planned out. 

“When I graduate high school, I’m starting right into my kinesiology major at UCF," she said. "So I plan to, at the end of the day, open my own private practice for a sports medicine physician to offer help to athletes that maybe can’t afford it."

But before she moves on, the senior wants to help shine a light on mental health, especially in today’s world. 

“So the biggest thing is to make sure to take time for yourself, to actually think about the way you’re feeling, because it is a lot of pressure,” Burchfield said. “People are always watching, and it’s a lot of responsibility for an athlete, so make sure to take time for that.”