Quitman High School seniors Jayla Marshall and Destiny Williams recently signed to continue to cheer at college.
Each of the coaches they had during their high school career attended their signing ceremony and offered a few words to each of them. No matter what was said, there was a common thread identifying both girls as hard working and kind.
Kristy Odom, known as Ms. Sissy, stated, “I started out with these girls their first year in ninth grade. I was a little intimidating to them. My philosophy was always there are two things you can control, your attitude and your effort. I always gave my best to them. I expected their best to me. Excuses, let me tell you they have them; however, I did not let that stop them from reaching their full potential the year that I had them. I will say that I’m proud of them for this next step in life. I pray nothing but the best for you girls.
Above all else, always give thanks where it’s due. Congratulations.”
Next, Dana Mayo said, “I love these two girls. They are fantastic athletes. They are the hardest workers I have ever seen. Their heart is so deep. They love cheer. They love Quitman High School. They love their teammates, and they are going to do amazing things in this next step. You have earned this ladies.”
Current Head Coach Needra Davis-Hubbard then stated, “I was their assistant cheer coach for the past two years, and this year on their senior year, I stepped up as their head coach. We had some bumps in the road, but we got through them, and we kept going. I’m so proud of you both and wish you the best at everything you do. Just know I’m only a phone call away to any of you.”
Current Assistant Cheer Coach Alli Norcross ended the coaches’ speeches to the girls when she said, “This was my first year as the assistant cheer coach, and Destiny and Jayla both welcomed me with opened arms. They are both so kind hearted, so sweet, and so hard working. They are both so deserving, and I want to tell you congratulations.”
While she is proud of them for continuing on to college, the coach is most proud of the growth she has witnessed and how the girls have grown over the years.
“Seeing the girls grow as people was wonderful for me,” proclaimed Needra. “That was always my big thing about coaching them. I want them to grow as people first and then as athletes because without them growing as a person, I feel like I haven’t done my job. Their going off to the next level is a bonus for them.”
Of course, the coach also has some advice for other girls who plan to continue cheering throughout high school and hopefully go to the collegiate level as well.
“Do not give up,” advised Needra. “Even if you think you’re not going to be able to do it, you can. Just go out there and try.”
