For Coweta High School cheerleader Molly O’Dell, the value of cheerleading reaches well beyond the sidelines. The junior has competed in the sport for five years, building relationships with teammates while developing her confidence as a spirited game-day performer and flyer.
“I have competed in cheer for 5 years and one thing that I enjoy the most about being on the team is being able to cheer on the sidelines at football games,” O’Dell said.
O’Dell is a member of the Coweta Lady Tigers varsity cheer squad. While performances, stunts and competition routines demand focus, she said the team’s connection away from practices and games is just as important.
“One thing that I love about the team and team yes at Coweta is the team bonding activities that we do to have fun, and it really helps us to get to know each other better,” O’Dell said.
That supportive environment is strengthened by teammates who bring energy and encouragement to the group. O’Dell pointed to Hannah Baddel and cheer captain Addy Cain as two teammates who make a positive difference.
“Hannah Baddel is always the loudest on the team even when she is having a bad day! Addy Cain is always encouraging to all teammates being the captain that she is,” O’Dell said.
Cain, in particular, has made a lasting impression on O’Dell through her leadership and willingness to help others.
“One current teammate that left an impression is one of the captains on the cheer team her name is Addy Cain and she is such a great leader always encouraging others and helping everyone out,” O’Dell said.
O’Dell said her parents also inspire her to continue working hard and pursuing her best in cheer and in life.
“Someone who inspires is my parents always pushing me to do the best I can do,” O’Dell said.
As an athlete, O’Dell embraces the energy needed for game-day competition. She also enjoys working as a flyer, where trust, courage and a willingness to take on new challenges are essential.
“My strengths in cheer are the game day competition because I am spirited and also doing stunts as a flyer because I’m not afraid to try new things. One thing that I can improve on is my tumbling to increase points for our team when performing at competitions,” O’Dell said.
Outside of cheer, O’Dell stays active with Coweta varsity soccer, BA Express club soccer, FFA, 4-H and her church youth group. She plans to attend college after high school, carrying forward a lesson she learned through adversity.
“One lesson that I learned last year was to persevere through multiple injuries and not giving up when there was nothing I could do,” O’Dell said.
