Newcastle High School varsity cheerleader Molly Stevens has built her role on the mat around a simple idea: being there for others and never letting them fall. As a backspot, she is literally the foundation of the stunt, and that responsibility mirrors the way she approaches her team, school and community.
“One thing I love about my teammates is the encouragement we give to each other. Everyone truly cares about one another and wants to lead each other to success,” Stevens said. That culture has shaped her experience in cheer and helped her grow into a leader whose strength, she says, is in the way she uses her voice.
“The strength of my game is words of encouragement. Working together as a team can be hard, frustrating, and confusing. Having a positive attitude and always offering words of encouragement not only changes the situation but will impact the entire team,” she said. It is a mindset she carries from practice to competitions to Friday nights under the lights, where some of her favorite memories have been made.
“What I enjoy most about cheer is the performance. I love performing to a crowd of people, and the atmosphere it creates. I also enjoy the friendships it forms. The bonds you create with others that have the same passion as you are unmatched. Some of my favorite memories are cheering with my best friends on a mat or at Friday night football game. The position I am is a backspot. My job in that position is to never let a stunt fall,” Stevens said.
That commitment to showing up extends beyond the gym. Stevens is not only a high school cheerleader, but an All-Star cheerleader, and at Newcastle she is involved in Student Council, National Honor Society, Unified Sports and other programs on campus. Last season reinforced just how important presence is, whether in athletics or academics.
“A lesson that I learned last year is showing up truly matters. Being there for your teammates not only shows the type of athlete you are, but the type of person you are. There will be no regret making an appearance that could lead a positive impact,” she said.
Stevens credits her parents for modeling the work ethic and drive she brings to cheer. “The two people that inspire me are my parents. The way they work hard for what they want to accomplish, and for going after any dream they desire. It’s lead me to succeed in cheerleading, and in daily life,” she said.
She also points to her younger sister, a current teammate, as someone who has left a lasting impression. “We’ve shared the same love for this sport since we were 5 and 7 years old. She’s been my biggest supporter throughout my whole journey as a cheerleader, and always showed how much she believed in me,” Stevens said.
After graduation, Stevens hopes to take the lessons learned through cheer and apply them in a new arena. “After graduation, I would love to attend University of Oklahoma and pursue nursing,” she said.
