Emory McClain has been committed to cheer for a while now, doing high school cheer for seven years and competitive cheer for three years. Before that, she did mini cheer clinics every year. Part of the reason she loves the sport is because of the influence she had growing up.

“All of my older cousins were cheerleaders at the school I went to at the time I was growing up,” said McClain. “I would be thrown in baskets because I was the youngest.”

Because she has such fond memories of cheer as a child, her motivation to be her best comes from the little girls in the stands that she knows are watching. The encouragement from those younger or older is a common theme in cheer. McClain credits a fellow cheerleader as a role model for her, and appreciates all of her teammates.

“A past senior of mine, Brianna Denney, helped me a lot of freshman and sophomore year. She would braid my hair and help me get ready, give me rides and buy me food,” said McClain. “My teammates, especially my fellow seniors, are people that I can always go to for help and talk to. Its like a giant group of sisters who actually like each other.”

One of McClain’s favorite memories was a bus ride home her sophomore year when the team “blasted the national anthem all the way home.” Speaking of music, McClain says that her pre-game hype music is anything by Drake.

When it comes to opponents, McClain’s favorite is Weatherford.

“I love when we go against Weatherford, because we always hangout during games or stunt together and practice together,” she said.

In addition to cheer, McClain keeps a busy schedule with archery, FCCLA, STUCO, Upward Bound, and she is the NHS vice president. After high school she wants to attend NSU for elementary education and become a second grade teacher.