Join us in sending a “Girl Power” energy award for the Baltimore Blast Cheerleaders! The Baltimore Blast Cheerleaders have been an ongoing volunteer group at our 5K Celebrations, and this spotlight features four Cheerleaders, Kylie, Shaniya, Sara, and Danica!

Question 1: What motivated you to volunteer with your group to support the GOTRGC Celebratory 5K?

Kylie: The Baltimore Blast Cheerleaders are all about strong, confident women who follow their passions to be their best selves, while empowering each other. When I heard about Girls on the Run of the Greater Chesapeake, I knew this was exactly the kind of community I wanted to be involved in. A community that helps uplift girls to use their creative side, intellectual side, grow friendships, gain confidence, and make the world a bit brighter.

Shaniya: I wanted to volunteer because as a teacher, I loved the idea of being able to cheer for my job’s GOTR team at Featherbed Lane Elementary, and this event lets me extend that support to everyone else as well. It’s also incredibly special for me to be there to celebrate a few of my own relatives and family friends who participated in the 5K. 

Sara: I wanted to volunteer because the most rewarding thing about the team is getting to interact with and encourage young athletes.

Question 2: How does volunteering together strengthen your group?

Kylie: Our favorite part of being a cheerleader is giving back to our community, and being a friendly face to those around us. Interacting with others has given us such a sense of purpose. We want to be role models in our community, and GOTRGC is a perfect place for us to show that we are strong women, and we hope to inspire the next generation!

Question 3: What do you most look forward to on 5K day?

Shaniya: Getting the participants excited before they start and cheering them on as they cross the finish line.

Kylie: Seeing people of all ages cross the finish line is my favorite part of the day. I love that the cheerleaders get to stand at the finish line to cheer on every participant and bring a smile to their face. They deserve to be cheered for and celebrated!

Question 4: What do you hope GOTR participants remember most about the 5K experience?

Kylie: I want each participant to walk away feeling so proud of themselves. I want them to remember having such a blast with their friends, family, or new friends surrounding them and crossing the finish line with them. 

Danica: I hope they remember the support of the crowd around them and the feeling of accomplishment when crossing the finish line. Also, to remember that hard work truly pays off, and one should relish in the work and journey put into achieving a goal. 

Sara: Their big smiles when we all danced together to warm up for the 5K and the warmth & support of the community around them.

Question 5: Why is supporting GOTRGC important to your group?

Danica: Supporting GOTRGC is important because it provides a safe place to encourage everyone. When people feel confident and supported, they’re more willing to step up and be involved in any activity. Uplifting those around us is always a positive!

We'd like to thank Kylie, Shaniya, Sara, Danica, and the Baltimore Blast Cheerleaders for their ongoing support, and enthusiasm for cheering for the girls. If you’d like to volunteer at our 5K, our Fall 2026 5K Volunteer application is open! Register today and celebrate the GOTRGC girls for their achievements. https://www.pinwheel.us/register/index/F26-GOTRGC-5K-VOL