WILLISTON, N.D. (AP) - Years of dedication and a natural affinity for cheerleading have led to Kayla Benth being the first to represent Williston on the All-American Cheerleading team.
The prestigious title is awarded by the National Cheerleading Association from those that present heightened characteristics of a cheerleader during the annual Cheer Camp, which is required training for the Williston High School team, the Williston Herald (https://bit.ly/2e3t09W ) reported. There, newcomers learn fundamentals while other more seasoned teams brush up on their chops.
Cheerleaders excelling at dance, motion, jumps and leadership are selected to compete for the All-American team - one of the highest accolades for any cheerleader.
Following nomination, cheerleaders are asked to display their skills to their 200 North Dakota peers and those ranked above a certain percentage are selected for the team.
“I’m representing Williston for the second year, and I think that’s pretty cool,” Kayla said. “I get to end on a high note because I’ve reached the top.”
As co-captain, she creates the floor routines for her team and is thrilled with the evolution the cheerleading program has undertaken over the years. She credits the dedication of her coach Amy Leibel to the increased interest.
“She’s really great and I’m proud to have her as our coach,” Kayla said. “Our cheerleading program has come a long way. We started with 10 girls and we’ve grown to 18 last year.”
The high school senior began her cheerleading career in seventh-grade, but was quickly recognized by Leibel, and asked to rise to the high school team. She admits she’s tried her hand at all sports but the blend of dance and crowd interaction earned cheerleading as Kayla’s favorite activity.
The feelings are mutual. The National Cheerleading Association requested she come back as a coach for the next generation of young cheerleaders. She has until December to confirm.
Although cheerleading has been a constant throughout her teenage years, she’s unsure if it will follow her to college. Her focus on majoring in interior design is not one readily offered at many North Dakota campuses, and there are few that push cheerleading.
“I’ve strived to reach many of my goals, and I really feel if I end it’s on a high note,” she said. “For the others, all I can say is don’t give up. It’s discouraging looking at other girls’ improvement, but only look at what you can do.”
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Information from: Williston Herald, https://www.willistonherald.com
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