Wilburton High School senior KateLynn Stodola has a passion for cheerleading.

Being both a flyer and a base, KateLynn is a cheer veteran.

“I have done competitive cheer and tumbling most of my life,” KateLynn said. “And I have done school cheer since middle school.”

When it comes to what motivates KateLynn, she said, “Seeing other people that are better than me, and kids who look up to me pushes me to be better and work harder.”

In terms of whom KateLynn looks towards as someone that is her biggest influence, she looks towards family.

“My mom is my biggest influencer and the best role model,” KateLynn said. “Because she always pushes me to do my best in everything. I work hard, and never give up.”

KateLynn highly believes in the cohesion of being on a cheer team.

“I do not like working against any of my teammates because I don’t feel like you’re a team without your teammates,” KateLynn said.

KateLynn goes on to praise her fellow cheerleaders. KateLynn said, “I feel that we appreciate everyone on our team and we all work together.”

To be successful in sports requires a great amount of effort. Asked what it has taken to achieve this, KateLynn said, “It’s taken a lot to be successful in what I do, but the biggest thing for me was lots of practice and dedication.”

Many memories are created in high school sports. For KateLynn, the biggest highlight of her career thus far was “Having the opportunity to cheer in college at The University of Arkansas – Fort Smith.”