by Jeff Raisor
Contributing writer
Cheer: Shouts of joy, praise, encouragement, confidence, optimism, comfort, enthusiasm, and support. For a high school teenager to pick a sport where their responsibility is to cheer and encourage other competing athletes, fans in the stands, and a next generation, is pretty remarkable.
The thought of simply making others feel good about themselves and trying harder to improve is exactly what the South Sevier High School co-ed cheerleading squad has been doing this school year. And they’ve been doing it very well.
This group of 13 ladies and 4 guys haven’t just been cheering on their fellow classmates, but they’ve worked all summer and school year to perfect routines ready for competitive competitions.
“This team has been the most dynamic, young, strong and adaptable team!” said Head Cheer Coach Amanda Wood. “They have accomplished things we have never been able to accomplish. They continue to push for the next hard thing to accomplish and I love that. They have pushed us to be better coaches. With so many young ones, this team is just going to RISE!!”
This talented team of Mya Rasband – Captain, Rexdon Wood – Captain, Adalyn Ainge – Captain, Ella Holcomb – Social Media Leader, Lexi Monroe, Madi Deaton, Zeke Northrup, Lexi Duncan, Alexia Grant, Anna Neilson, Bethanie Viula, Wishlee Bringhurst, Madi Phelps, Jaislyn Peterson, Gabby Turcios, Kesi Manning, Max Scott became the 2025 Utah Cheer Divisionals 2A Co-Ed Overall Champions in mid January!
With that championship, they then earned the right to compete at the State competition on January 22 at Utah Valley University in Provo. Here they performed their routines well to crowds finally cheering them on and came away in third place in the entire State in the 2A Co-Ed competition.
It’s easy to see that coaches Amanda Wood, Hadley Sorensen, Angie Jensen, and Greg Northrup are extremely proud of the hard work and results this wonderful team had put in this year so far.
“Each one has value and purpose. It’s awesome as coaches to see kids start to see their potential and push for it,” said Coach Wood. “Some of our favorite memories would be CAMP for sure and then all the funny moments during practice. Competition is always a highlight too.”
