Newcastle High School varsity cheerleader Katelynne Williams heads into another season with a simple standard for herself and her teammates — show up, work hard and support each other every day. Summer has set the tone for that approach as the squad grinds through conditioning, skills and stunts in preparation for the year ahead.
“Summer workouts are going so great! Everyone is working so hard to improve not only themselves but also the team. The toughest part of this summer has been battling injuries.” Williams serves as a main base, a role that demands strength, consistency and trust, and she is focused on the finer points of her craft as the team progresses. “I am a main base, and this year I am looking on improving my cleanliness and sharpness of my motions. I also want to improve my tumbling skills.”
She sees that same commitment in her teammates, singling out a few for the way they approach practices and games. “It’s hard to pinpoint exactly which teammates have impressed me this season because overall we have all shown up. However, if I had to choose it would be Molly Stevens for being coachable, Leighton Wooten for always wanting to learn, and finally Katelyn Crain for pushing through adversity.”
Away from the mat, Williams balances her cheer schedule with another passion — competitive fishing. “My other priority this summer has been fishing, I get very busy this time of year and being able to balance going to tournaments for fishing is very important to me.” Looking ahead, she hopes to be remembered for how she carries herself and treats others. “I want to be remembered as someone who always shows up, never gives up, and most importantly is respectful towards everyone.” Long term, she has her sights set on a career in health care: “I want to be a dermatologist.”
