VanAlstine signs to cheer for Grace College

Submitted by Hamilton Heights School Corporation

Hamilton Heights senior Lyla VanAlstine has committed to continuing her education and cheer career at Grace College, an NAIA institution competing in the Crossroads League. She is the daughter of Benjamin and Carrie VanAlstine.

During her time as a Husky, VanAlstine earned multiple honors, including Most Improved Cheerleader (2024, 2025) and Most Valuable Cheerleader (2026). She also contributed to several programs, participating in Competitive Cheer, Unified Track & Field, and Unified Bowling.

Grace College felt like home because VanAlstine’s faith is the most important part of who she is.

“Grace integrates biblical principles into academics, campus life, and community, creating an environment where I can grow spiritually and academically,” said VanAlstine, who plans to major in exercise science. “Their strong pre-chiropractic program will help me pursue my goal of becoming a Doctor of Chiropractic. Cheering is another reason I chose Grace. At a smaller, faith-based college, athletics feel community-centered and relationship-driven. I love competing and supporting teams on game day, but I also value close connections and a faith-based community.”

Her path to cheer began her sophomore year where she quickly found her passion.

“Starting later than my peers pushed me to work harder,” she recalled. “Every day, I focused on becoming a better cheerleader for myself, my teammates, and my coaches. Their encouragement shaped me into the athlete I am today.”

VanAlstine credits Coach Engle and Coach Kuhn have played a major role in her growth.

“They pushed me beyond my comfort zone, encouraged me to build strength and confidence, and believed in me even when I doubted myself,” she said. “I’m incredibly grateful for the lasting impact they’ve had on me.”

Outside of cheer, VanAlstine is active in the community. She is a member of the Hamilton County Llamas 4-H Club, dances at Laura Hayden’s School of Dance, volunteers with Our Town Cicero and Cicero Friends of the Park, and works at Cicero Chiropractic.

“It has been an absolute pleasure to coach Lyla throughout her high school cheerleading career,” said Amanda Engle, Hamilton Heights Varsity Cheerleading Coach. “She is a natural-born leader who leads her teammates with quiet confidence, class, and respect. Lyla has dedicated countless hours to improving her skills and consistently strives to be the best version of herself. Not only is she a talented cheerleader, but she is also a kind, respectful, and self-driven young woman. Coaching Lyla has been a true joy, and she will be deeply missed. We are incredibly excited to see all that she will accomplish at Grace.”

Kurt Ogden, Hamilton Heights Athletic Director, said, “Lyla has been the epitome of everything we ask for from our student/athletes. She’s a strong student, a respectful young lady, and she’s very much respected by both her peers and teachers here at Hamilton Heights. We are extremely excited that Lyla gets to continue the sport she loves at Grace College.”