Meet The Icons: Rachael Lovering

Rachael Lovering is a powerful force on and off the field, proudly representing the Cronulla Sharks as part of the Mermaids cheer squad. With ten years of cheerleading experience and now in her second season with the Mermaids, Rachael brings passion, discipline, and heart to every performance. She embodies what it means to show up, work hard, and play for something bigger than yourself. 

Q: How did your cheer journey begin? 
Rachael: I’ve been a cheerleader for ten years now. It started as something I loved doing — performing, dancing, and being part of a team — and it’s grown into such a huge part of who I am. This is my second season with the Cronulla Sharks Mermaids, and being part of this squad has taken my journey to another level. 

Q: What does your training routine look like? 
Rachael: My training routine is a real mix. In pre-season, there’s a lot of strength training, a lot of flexibility work, and plenty of running to build stamina. Cheer is so athletic — you need power, endurance, and control. During the season, I focus mostly on strength training to maintain performance and prevent injury. It’s all about staying strong, sharp, and ready to perform every single week. 

Q: What motivates you to show up and perform every week? 
Rachael: For me, it’s about more than dancing and performing. Being a Mermaid is about being a role model. It’s about representing strength, confidence, and positivity for so many people watching. That’s what keeps me pushing — knowing that what we do inspires others. 

Q: What does being a Rockwear Icon mean to you? 
Rachael: Being a Rockwear Icon means representing women who are strong, dedicated, and unapologetically themselves. It’s about showing that strength looks different for everyone — whether you’re on the field, in the gym, or chasing your goals. I’m proud to stand for that.