“Whenever I was little, I always used to watch the cheerleaders on the sidelines and always wanted to be them.” And that’s how Hilldale senior Kelsey Allen got interested in being a cheerleader. “I tried out in seventh grade and made it and have been doing it ever since. I like the tumbling and the stunts and the memories I make on the sidelines.” Kelsey also plays travel softball, and she has a good role model to follow in her older sister Kensley who was a standout for the Hornets in high school. “We’ve always encouraged each other, and I look up to her as an encourager and role model.” The Hilldale cheer squad recently took part in the OSSAA competitive cheer competition qualifying through regionals and going to the state competition. “Going to regionals as a team, we were all excited and happy but also nervous because we are a new team this year. It was exciting when we found out we were going to state but nerve wracking. We’re proud of our performance there,” said Kelsey who is the National Honor Society and Nike Club at Hilldale. “Kelsey is such an important part of our team as a senior leader and a role model,” said her coach, Stevie Moore. “She’s quick to step in and help wherever she’s needed. I’ve had the privilege of coaching her the past two years and her dedication, positive attitude and willingness to serve others have made her an invaluable part of our squad.” Kelsey has also helped coach the Hilldale elementary cheer squad for the past three years. “My little brother played little league football and when I went to his games, I noticed the cheerleaders struggling so I asked if I could help coach them at practice and I love working with the younger kids,” she said. In her spare time, Kelsey likes to hang out with friends, scuba dive and go to the dirt track races where her boyfriend races (and she has coach Moore keep track of how he’s doing when he races on football Friday nights!). Next up for Kelsey and her team will be the OSSAA Game Day competition.
PHOTO CREDIT;
Photo Courtesy of Shane Keeter
