Freshman cheerleader Sophie Clayton measures every season by one simple standard: being better than she was the year before.
“To be better than I was last season. And accomplish my tumbling goals,” Clayton said of her personal goals this year.
She said this group has already proven what it can do when it performs together. “I feel our morale was overall great!” Clayton said. “We work well together and accomplished our goal of winning Regionals and advancing to place top five at state.”
That success has come even as the roster has evolved.
“Improving on our skills overall,” she said of the biggest team growth she has seen. “Lots of new faces this season.”
Looking ahead, the bar remains high for the Quinton squad.
“Our biggest goal is to make it back to state, and potentially place top three,” Clayton said.n“I have been working hard on my tumbling skills, and jump technique, and working with my stunt group to advance our stunts.”
Clayton believes their connection is what truly sets them apart. “Our team bond is our biggest strength,” she said. “We work together well and support each other.”
On the floor, her responsibility changes from sequence to sequence, but her standard stays the same. “I feel my role
is to do my best whether I am in the air as a flyer, or tumbling down the field, court, or mat,” Clayton said.
When it comes to learning new material, she pays close attention to how it highlights the group. “I look for a routine or cheer that showcases our talent, as well as our strengths as a squad,” she said.
Her preparation happens long before competition day. “I practice my tumbling passes, and stretching and conditioning routines every night,” Clayton said.
Clayton said she hopes her impact reaches far beyond her own performances. “I want to make an impact on the younger girls,” she said. “I want to be remembered not only for my talent but for helping girls who want to cheer but are scared to come out of their shell.”
One moment already stands out in her young career. “Winning cheer regionals this year!” Clayton said of her favorite memory in a Quinton uniform.
“I am an FFA officer, yearbook staff. I plan to go to college and continue my cheer career while achieving a degree in either dental hygiene or sonography.”
