By Chris Cox

“We are the heart of Liberty!”

That’s how Liberty cheer coach Brittany Gillespie describes her team. “In a small town like Liberty our role is so important to boost the morale of players and spectators alike,” she says. “Our squad has embraced being the leaders of school spirit in the classroom and at our sporting events.”

This is just Gillespie’s third year coaching at Liberty, but she has already seen the program grow to 16 girls, which is the largest cheer squad the school has had in several years. While each squad has been special, Gillespie says this year’s squad has had to persevere. “My squads have changed from my first year to now thanks to the ever changing uncertainty of the world,” Gillespie says. “The girls now are so thankful for every event we are able to attend, and they are even asking for open gym days to improve their skills.”

That perseverance is not just seen in the team, it’s seen in the individual athletes as well, specifically Liberty’s team captain. “Sarah Selman is our senior captain this year and she is stepping into that role quite beautifully,” Gillespie says. “She has had her fair share of challenges in her life, but she has continued to rise above and shine brighter every time. She is an example of perseverance, and our squad is better for having her lead them.”

While Selman might be the captain of this squad and embody that attitude of perseverance, Gillespie says another senior is the “encouraging queen.” “Jillian Gillespie really fights hard for those who are underappreciated,” she says. “She is the first to check on you if you are sad and she is the squad’s biggest supporter. Her love for her friends is amazing.”

Leadership roles, though, are not just reserved for the Liberty seniors. “Ryli Middaugh is just a sophomore this year,” Gillespie says. “She is passionate about cheerleading, school spirit, and improving her skills. She will be an amazing captain in the future.”

Overall, Gillespie loves the attitude that this group shows. “This squad might not compete in any cheer competitions,” she says. “But they are the best at supporting their school and the sports the cheer for. They are the small-town heroes!”

The Liberty cheer roster includes Sarah Selman (Sr), Jillian Gillespie (Sr), Sarah Eubanks (Sr), Daisy Sullivan (Sr), Khloe Bishop (Jr), Lia Estrada (Jr), Lauren Rutherford (Jr), Ryli Middaugh (Soph), Katrina Lynn (Soph), Kyleigh Hickerson (Soph), Lyndsey Plummer (Soph), Olivia Caughron (Fr), Kayden Evans (Fr), Kadee Bishop (Fr), Kamri Adair (Fr), and Carmela Paz (Fr).