Kaydence West has set a clear tone for her senior season with the Poteau High School varsity cheer squad: “My personal goals this season are to continue growing as a leader, be more confident in my skills, and bring positive energy to the team.” That approach reflects both her mindset and her role, as she added, “I want to be someone my teammates can rely on, both on and off the field.”
That leadership has been supported by a strong team culture. “Team morale has been really strong this year,” West said. “We’re very supportive of each other and always push one another to be better, which has made practices and games more fun and motivating.” As the season has progressed, that connection has become even more evident. “The biggest improvement I’ve seen is our unity,” she said. “We’ve really come together as one team, and it shows in our stunts, cheers, and overall confidence.”
Representing Poteau remains a central focus. “One of our main goals is to represent Poteau with pride and spirit at every game or event,” West said. “We work toward that by practicing hard, staying focused, and encouraging each other to give our best effort every time.” According to West, the foundation of that success is simple. “Our biggest strength is our teamwork,” she said. “Everyone is willing to step up, help each other, and do what’s best for the team.”
West serves in multiple roles for the Pirates. “My position on the Poteau varsity cheer team is co-captain and flyer,” she said. “I also tumble.” When performing, her attention to detail is constant. “I focus on sharp motions, timing, and making sure I know exactly what to do and what motions to hit while I’m in the air,” West said. Her mindset once it’s time to perform is straightforward. “My mindset is to give it my all, support my team, never doubt my team’s ability, and represent Poteau in the best way possible,” West said.
When her time at Poteau comes to an end, West hopes her impact is remembered. “I want to be remembered as someone who was hardworking, funny, positive, and always supportive of my teammates,” she said. She added that much of the work goes unseen. “People may not realize how much time, effort, and dedication we put in behind the scenes to be prepared for every event.”
West is a member of National Honor Society and previously served two years in student council. “My plans after high school are to go to aesthetician school, in hopes to open my own place here in Poteau,” she said.
