By Sofia Puga

Lexi Diaz's passion is dancing, however, when the sophomore first arrived on the Arizona Western campus, there wasn't a dance program. So, to stay active and involved on campus, Lexi did the next best thing and joined the cheerleading squad. What many people don't realize is dance and cheer are completely different sports. Lexi started as an inexperienced cheerleader but has caught on in her new sport and surroundings.

"I felt like the odd ball out because I just didn't know as much as everybody else," Diaz said. "I feel I am a very performative person in that I like to put on a really bold face. I'm this whole other person when I am in front of everybody. So, it definitely boosts up my confidence."

A Yuma native, Diaz is the second youngest of five children. Growing up, Lexi and her siblings were always around sports.

"I grew up dancing since I was really young, I was about six," Diaz said. "All of my family members are athletic. I feel like every one of my siblings has been in some sport."

Though she loves performing, Diaz's favorite part about being a cheerleader is meeting new people and making friendships outside of sports. 

"I'm a super social person," Diaz said. "So, I see a new face and a gravitate towards wanting to talk to them, knowing them and learning about them."

Diaz considers herself a go-getter and has learned to naturally balance school, cheer and work.

"I am a workaholic sometimes," Diaz said with a smile. "So balancing isn't super difficult because I actually like that."

Lexi's father is a computer science professor at Arizona Western College but that isn't the only reason she chose to stay in Yuma. 

"I didn't want to leave home," Diaz admitted. "I am very family oriented."

Lexi is an English major and is also pursuing her associate's in paralegal studies. She plans to pursue both degrees with her sights set on a bachelor's to become an attorney. 

Besides dancing, Lexi also enjoys reading. 

"I'm a reader, I love to read," Diaz said. "I have a full bookcase in my room."

Diaz also loves rap music and listens to a variety of artists. 

"I like female rappers like Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion, but I do like male rappers too," Diaz said. "I know it's controversial, but I do like Drake and Kanye West. Technically he isn't rap, but I also listen to The Weeknd."