Over the summer, 21 members of Hamilton Heights Middle School Cheerleaders attended a three-day Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA) cheer camp in Kokomo. They were among over 200 cheerleaders from seven Indiana schools in attendance.
They learned skills from highly qualified instructors in the sport. As part of the camp experience, between six and eight girls from each school were chosen to participate in an individual competition. They performed in front of their cheerleading peers and instructors showcasing their athleticism and skills they learned throughout camp.
Of this group, a total of 16 middle school girls tried out for the title of All American Cheerleader. Nine cheerleaders earned the title, five of them from HHMS. They included: Illiana Bowyer, Grace Reynolds, Kolby Weaver, Ashley Woodruff, and Rylee Worland. The title of All American Cheerleader brings with it many opportunities to participate with cheerleaders from around the country who received the same award.
Illiana Bowyer and Grace Reynolds have decided to take part in one of these events, the Citrus Bowl game in Orlando, Fla., on Jan. 1, 2024. They will travel to Florida with their families and their coach to participate in the halftime performance show.
“This year’s group of student athletes are truly amazing,” said Nikki Myrick, now in her sixth year of coaching at the middle school. “I’ve had amazing responses from them for volunteer opportunities, which is allowing them to make a positive impact on younger, aspiring cheerleaders coming up the ranks in the community. They are all in great standing academically, team players, and work together to showcase each other’s individual strengths.”
The sport is on the grow at the middle school thanks in part to Coach Myrick’s skill, interest, and enthusiasm. Myrick, who is the parent of four children at Heights, coached gymnastics prior to coaching cheer. She brings a positive energy and 12 years of experience traveling throughout the country to compete. Stay tuned for more good things coming out of this program.
These girls are currently looking for sponsors to help fund their trip. If you or someone you know would like to serve as a sponsor in some way, contact coach Nikki Myrick at hhmscheercoaches@gmail.com.