Being coachable is a big part of being a member of a team sport, no matter what sport it is. For Keys High School cheer squad, this is a trait that is learned and acquired, not always necessarily there, according to head coach Denise Snyder. After being there 19 years, Snyder said this years’ squad has “really bonded like a family and they have great communication. They are all very coachable and it’s evident because their skills in stunting and tumbling are improving!”
They qualified for Game Day State this year and won Best Dressed at Extreme Cheer Camp this summer, which was a fun award to receive. “The girls are so enjoyable to be around so away game bus rides and dinners are fun. Our State experience this year was the most memorable,” Snyder said. And as far as bonding outside of school events, Snyder says the girls get together often and are all looking forward to their annual Christmas sleepover and cheering on basketball season soon!
The KHS cheer squad has become a tight knit group across all grades and the joy each member gets from cheering is evident in how they talk about it! Sophomore Emmy Foreman said she “loves hyping up her friends and teams,” and senior Pammala Burney “loves the energy her squad brings to functions!” For senior Emma Walker, she said she “loves getting to be a part of the team environment and getting so much love and support from her coaches,” while junior Riley Thomas says that “no matter what, we are always a team and push each other to be better.” Lastly, senior Gabi Brown said she “loves the bond and how everyone supports each other even when it isn’t cheer-related.”
