Westville High School senior cheerleader Braeleigh Auffet carries her late grandmother’s words with her every time she steps onto the mat: Treat people with kindness and always push yourself to be the best version of you.
Those lessons have shaped Auffet into one of the most versatile leaders on the varsity cheer squad. Over the years, she has filled almost every role possible in a routine — base, back spot and flyer.
“You name it, I’ve probably done it,” she said.
What keeps her coming back is the tight-knit atmosphere within the Westville cheer program. Auffet said the team’s supportive culture is what she enjoys most about being a part of the squad.
“I love the environment of my team. They have always been so encouraging and loving no matter what,” she said.
That bond is built well before the first bell of the school year. Auffet and her teammates commit to summer practices about once a week, along with required summer workouts to keep them in shape for the season. The workload has taught her real-life skills she knows will matter long after high school.
“Athletics have taught me how to be a part of a team and how to manage my time,” she said.
In the classroom, Auffet’s favorite subject is English, and she points to her AP English teacher, Ms. Abshier, who taught her from ninth through 11th grade, as a major influence.
Away from school and cheer, she enjoys listening to music and spending time with her family and friends.
Auffet also finds inspiration close to home on the mat. She looks up to former teammate and best friend Kenda Williams, whose resilience left a lasting impression.
“She had shown me strength that I didn’t even know a person could have during her time on our cheer team,” Auffet said.
From honoring her grandmother’s legacy to lifting up her teammates, Auffet’s senior year is about more than stunts and sidelines. It is about gratitude, growth and leaving Westville cheer in a better place for the next group that follows.
