Poteau High School’s Kaydence West
Senior cheerleader Kaydence West has spent her Poteau High School career being lifted into the air, but she says it is the people beneath her who keep her grounded.
West, a flyer and tumbler for the Pirates cheer squad, said her biggest motivation comes from the group around her. “I’m inspired by my teammates and my coaches because they always push me to do better and never give up, even when things get hard,” West said. “What I enjoy most about being on the team is the bond we all have and how we support each other.”
Now a senior, West has embraced the leadership that comes with experience while still balancing the demands of school. Her favorite subject is math, and she credits one classroom in particular for making an impact. She lists Mrs. Flynn as her favorite teacher and said that support in the classroom helps her stay focused when the schedule gets busy once the season starts.
Cheerleading for Poteau is a year-round commitment, with the real work starting before most students think about the new school year. West said the team’s preparation begins during the summer and sets the tone for the fall. “Before the school year starts, we spend a lot of time practicing over the summer, usually multiple days a week and very early in the mornings, to prepare for the season,” she said.
Those long mornings and countless reps have taught West more than just how to hit a stunt or stick a landing. She said cheer has shaped her into a more reliable and resilient person. “Athletics has taught me discipline, teamwork, and how to stay committed,” West said.
Away from the sidelines, West enjoys the same simple downtime as many high school seniors. In her free time, she said she likes spending time with friends and relaxing at home. “In my free time I enjoy spending time with friends and laying in my bed,” she said.
When she looks back at her time with Poteau cheer, one teammate stands out. West said her best friend, Harlow, has made a lasting impression, both on and off the mat. “The teammate that has left the biggest impression on me would have to be my best friend Harlow,” West said. “She keeps positive and encourage.”
Whether she is soaring above the crowd on a Friday night or grinding through another early-morning practice, West said the relationships she has built through cheerleading will stay with her long after her final season at Poteau.
