In 2020 the Hugo varsity cheer squad competed at the state cheer competition and did very well, but that competition only left them hungry for more and head coach Kelsie Lopez is excited to continue to build the program.

We are a young competitive team. Last year was our first time to make it to competitive cheer state. We were also selected as the 2020 Area Best Cheer Team. The girls are motivated and work hard not only on the mats but in the classroom as well,” said coach Lopez.

The team is led by three seniors this year which includes Kacyn Beard who has been a four-year member of the varsity cheer squad.

“Kacyn has been a part of my cheer program for four years. Cheerleading is her passion. She has always given nothing but her best and wishes to pursue cheerleading in college. She does anything she is asked and is always putting her team first. She has been a great role model to her younger teammates,” said coach Lopez.

With the state cheer competition just around the corner, Lopez and the Hugo cheer team are working hard to have a top three performance and announce to the rest of the state that the Hugo cheer team has arrived. The roster features the following, seniors Kacyn Beard, Zoe Gilmore and Ashanti Pearl. Juniors Jacey Taylor, Laney Cox, Ashia Jordan, Alexis McLemore, Jordyn Teague, Jodi Emberson, and Micah Parker. Sophomores Taleiah Biggers, EJ Spillman, and Jenna Skelton. Freshmen Gracie Armstrong and Sienna Gilmore.

Alyssa Gallant will serve as team manager.

Overall, the excitement is high and their eagerness to compete and take the field on Friday nights is growing. Look for this squad to surprise some judges this season.