Balancing cheer, multiple sports, and even travel ball hasn’t stopped Lizzie Powell from stepping into a leadership role for Atoka. “My personal goals for this season would be to focus on helping our freshmen gain confidence in their voice,” the junior said.
It’s been a season of growth for the Wampus Cats cheer squad. “The team is young but very bought in this year! I’m so proud of our younger girls, their dedication since cheer camp has been amazing!” Powell explained. With a roster that has expanded in size, the energy is different than before. “The cheer team has improved so much. This year, we have grown into a 20-person team instead of just 14. The biggest improvement would have to be our four solid stunt groups.”
Competition season has added extra motivation. “Our team’s goal this year would be to place at our competition! Ms. Washington has talked about 5 a.m. practices to help us work on our routine.”
For Powell, what makes this year’s group special is the mindset. “Our team’s biggest strength right now would be patience. We have a really young team, including people that have never cheered before. The veterans have been so patient and supportive with them.” That leadership role is something she has embraced personally. “I am a two-year veteran. I was a main base last year but a flyer this year.”
Supporting her teammates has become second nature. “Learning a new cheer or routine is very overwhelming sometimes. I normally try to pay attention to the girls’ faces and how much it’s affecting them. When it’s time to take breaks, if I see them upset, I try to go over and make jokes to help calm them down.”
Her approach is simple but effective when the lights are on. “My mindset when I step onto the mat is to try my hardest, be sharp, and be LOUD.”
Asked how she hopes to be remembered, Powell was clear. “I would really like for people to remember me as the girl that participated in everything. I want to show that you can balance everything and still enjoy all the sports.”
