VINEMONT, Ala. — Vinemont’s Makenna Howard cheered on varsity as a freshman last season, and she learned so much from that experience. She got to cheer alongside some great cheerleaders last year and soaked up as much as she could from them to prepare for her upcoming sophomore year.
“It was honestly an amazing season. It was very new, especially since we had just got a new cheer coach, but I was taught so much in the past season. I’ve been taught teamwork, trust, accountability, and that things are earned by hard work and not handed out,” Howard said. “We had an amazing group of girls last year on our squad. I learned a lot about respect, and how to work with one another, while pushing through all of our differences. I had good role models for my first year cheering on the varsity team, and I’m thankful for the support and encouragement that the upperclassmen gave me.”
Makenna got to cheer under new head coach Madison Ballard, and she had a blast doing it. She learned so much from some great senior cheerleaders.
“Miss Ballard is the best coach I’ve ever had. She’s one of my role models. She’s a younger woman, but she knows exactly what she’s doing. She pushes us to the best of our ability, and I wouldn’t be the cheerleader I am today if it wasn’t for her. We practice frequently, and she can be hard on us, but me and the team know it’s because she wants us to be our best version of ourselves. She not only cares about us learning, but also about our wellbeing as teenage girls, and our relationship with Christ,” Howard said. “They were amazing cheerleaders and girls who taught me a lot being an overall good cheerleader and person. I learned how to take accountability and how to communicate with each other. I was taught to always give 100%, not only for me, but for my team.”
Makenna got the chance to cheer at state for the first time last year and took away so much from that experience.
“It was extremely stressful preparing for state, but it was one of the highlights of my freshman year. Once I stepped foot on the mat, I knew all the hard work was worth it. It was an experience that I’ll never forget,” she said. “Now knowing what all to expect for state this year, I feel I’m more confident going in, and I’m hoping to be able to lead the new cheerleaders that have never competed before this year. I learned perseverance, how to lean on my teammates, the importance of teamwork, and to overall enjoy the moment.”
Makenna has helped the younger cheerleaders with a lot of things in the offseason as they get ready for this upcoming season. She talked about this season’s goals and what will make this cheer team special to watch.
“We have many newcomers this year, and that means we’re going to have to learn how to work with each other and communicate with each other. We’ll continue to practice and put forth our best effort, to help one another stay motivated, and continue to strive to be better all-around,” she said. “My individual goals are to become a good leader and to be someone my teammates can come to and rely on. I’d love to improve all around. My team goals are to win Regionals again, to get top three at state, to have a great football and basketball season, and to make life-long friends with my teammates.”
She added,
“I believe we’re going to bring the energy and skills that we’ve learned from UCA camp and give it our all and be the best we can be. We’re a very competitive and determined group of girls that are always looking to improve. We’re all striving to be our best, and I feel that’s something that will stand out this season.”
Makenna has soaked up as much as she can from this year’s seniors so far. She talked about her favorite cheerleaders growing up and the best advice that she was ever given.
“They’re all amazing leaders in their unique ways. I’ve learned to be responsible, hardworking, kind, and to enjoy every moment,” she said. “The varsity cheerleaders I looked up to when I was younger were Bailey Preiss, Emily Cheatwood, and Kinlee Puckett. They were very high-spirited hard workers who put effort into everything they did. Seeing their hard work and enjoyment made me want to be a part of it all. The best advice that someone ever gave me is to always give our best effort, have fun, and to keep Christ at the center of everything we do.”
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