Trinity Valley Community College's Jonathan Jackson is passionate and dedicated to cheerleading and to his winning program. Always pushing to become a better student, athlete, and person, Jackson is sure to accomplish anything he puts his mind to. We asked him where he's been, what he's been up to, and where he's headed.

Get to know the man, the myth, the legend: Jonathan Jackson!

Where are you from?

I was born and raised in Riverside, California

What are you going to school for?

I am currently trying to earn a Degree in Business Management at Trinity Valley Community College. I am hoping to transfer to a 4-year university to earn my Bachelor's Degree.

How did you get started in cheerleading?

Originally I started off as the mascot for my high school. My coach had me learn some basic tumbling and stunts at a small all-star gym. After a few weeks of learning, I was hooked and decided to pursue a passion in cheer.

Where have you cheered in the past?

I have cheered at:

• Rancho Verde High School
• Pacific Coast Magic
• Currently Trinity Valley Community College

What's your favorite part of cheerleading?

My favorite part of cheer is the connections you create with people. You can meet someone for the first time and instantly become close and feel like you have known each other for years. The cheer world is a huge network across the globe and I think it's pretty cool.

What's your signature tumbling pass?

Roundoff back handspring full.

Do you have a signature stunt?

My signature stunt would be a 1 to 1 rewind.

TVCC is a program with many traditions and a history of excellence, tell us how it feels to be a part of that program?

To be a part of the TVCC program is an incredible honor. This program to me represents passion, dedication, and of course hard work. TVCC has not only helped me grow as an athlete but as a student as well. Honestly, this program means a lot to me and to be able to be a part of its growing history and to know that I could help it grow means the world to me.

You took home the title in Daytona last year, congrats! How did it feel to have all your hard work pay off?

It felt crazy just knowing that we could bring the title back to TVCC, to be able to add on to the legacy was an incredible experience, and the energy and support that we had from our friends, family, and alumni made it all worth it at the end.

What do you think was your team's secret to success in 2016?

I feel a big part of the team's success was the family atmosphere. On and off the mat we knew we had each other's back and we all knew that we had one common goal and that was to hit our routine. Our motto last year was "Give them no Reason", which meant to go out there and hit and give no one any reason to take our success away.

You are a part of NCA College Staff, how does it feel to get to work with other talented collegiate cheer programs all summer long?

Being a part of College Staff is an indescribable experience, to able to stunt and tumble with some of the best cheerleaders in your industry is incredible. Not only that, but the teams you get to interact with and help are amazing well-known programs. Helping them learn a new stunt or basket is a pretty cool feeling.

Who/what is your biggest motivation?

One big motivation factor for me is being successful for my parents, just knowing the sacrifices they have gone through to help me pursue my dreams keeps me going. Another is to be as good as Vontae Johnson. He is an incredible all-around cheerleader and I hope to be as successful as him.

People normally call you Pumpkin, how'd you get that nickname?

Well at the Varsity Christmas Extravaganza, we were at a staff practice and were setting spots. LeRoy meant to call a girl over and said "over here pumpkin" and I turned around and replied. Everyone started laughing and for the rest of the practice that's what they called me and the name kind of stuck after that!

What are your future goals in the cheerleading world?

My 2 goals in the cheer world are to hopefully make Team USA and to attend a strong 4-year cheerleading program!