NAME: Brittany Sullo
SCHOOL: Bishop Kenny High School
GRADE: 12th
POSITION: Back Spot
We all have something that we do now, but as children, said we would never do. For Brittany, that was cheerleading. As a young girl, Brittany played t-ball and says that she used to poke fun at the cheerleaders. At ten years old, that all changed. She started cheer and now seven years later, is an integral member of the Bishop Kenny cheer squad.
“Brittany is leader for the team, and a go-to girl for me,” says coach Galloway. “She is a true rock. In the past 3 years she has never come to me not knowing how to handle a situation, or thinking she “can’t” do something. She always finds a way to make our stunts hit, make our cheers better, and involve the crowd.”
For Brittany, it is always about the team. “My teammates; together, we have a common goal: success. Every time I go on the mat I preform for the girls to left and right of me.”
Whether it is cheering for the Crusaders, competing on the Kenny competition team or traveling to Nationals at Dallas with the Infinity All-Stars, Brittany stays committed to cheerleading all year. “Cheerleading is a year round sport at Bishop Kenny! Don’t forget to add in AP labs and work!” says Brittany.
As for sideline cheer, Bishop Kenny home football games are second to none according to Brittany. “Game day is the best day! Everyone is so hyped for the game from the beginning of the day all the way till kick off. We have a huge break away banners the football team runs through and it always starts us off on the right foot.”
Brittany hopes to be able to continue cheer next year as she moves on to college. Her words of advice for any aspiring cheerleaders, “The work is worth it! It takes a lot of time and effort to be the best.”
NAME: Elizabeth Longendelpher
SCHOOL: Mandarin High School
GRADE: 12th
POSITION: Base & Flyer – Varsity Cheerleading Team (Football, Basketball and Competition Squads)
As with a lot of talented athletes, they begin their craft at a very young age. When Elizabeth was just four years old, she began dance classes but it became very difficult for her to focus when she would see other groups tumbling and flipping on the other side of the gym. Those tumblers and flippers were cheerleaders. Dance was quickly replaced by cheerleading and the rest is history.
You can find Elizabeth every Friday night on the sidelines at Mustang Stadium. “The Mustang atmosphere during game day is so enthusiastic! Every Friday means orange and green, and my classmates go all out,” says Elizabeth. “Our school does a great job at promoting a healthy, fun game day atmosphere.”
Beyond cheering on the sidelines, Elizabeth is a captain on the Mandarin competition cheer team and also a member of the Premier Athletics Hurricanes, an area all-star cheerleading program. The commitment it requires to participate in year-round cheer is tremendous, but coach Kester insists that Elizabeth’s work ethic is second to none.
“Lizzie is consistent,” says coach Kester, “She is reliable and unwavering in her attempts to be the best version of herself.”
Elizabeth’s favorite part of cheerleading is the bond she has created over the years with her teammates and coaches. “We unite as one when we hit the mat, both at practices and competitions, and are a family through thick and thin,” says Elizabeth.
Above all else, Elizabeth exemplifies great character in everything she does. “Elizabeth has so much integrity, especially for someone of her age,” said coach Kester. “She seems to always make the right decision, even when no one is looking. She is extremely honest, caring and very hard-working.”
For Elizabeth, cheerleading has had a huge impact on her life. Her words of advice for anyone aspiring to become a cheerleader; is just go for it. “No matter what, do what you think will make you happy!” said Elizabeth “You will definitely surprise yourself. You can do it!”
NAME: Emma Weiskopf
SCHOOL: Middleburg
GRADE: 11th
POSITION: Base
Not many cheerleaders can say they also play football. Although it is not on the same team that she cheers for on Friday nights, Emma competes on the Middleburg flag football team every spring. She also stays in top shape during the winter as a member on the girl’s weightlifting team. We would be remised if we failed to mention that she is also on the school competition cheer team and a member of the Premier Athletics All-Star Team. Simply put, this girl is tough!
“Emma is a standout all-around athlete,” says coach Austin. ” Her work ethic is what separates her from others. She is always motivated, helps others, and never grimaces or complains when “one more time” turns into 20.”
Emma’s unwavering support from her parents is what she says motivates her to excel in everything she does. “They encourage me to do my best, but support me when something goes wrong.”
Emma is also driven by the principle of serving others. ” Seven years ago, I lost my sister. I feel that I was left here for a reason; To make life better for other people and I try to do that every day.”
This sentiment is reflected in her goal to become a special needs teacher and volunteer at the Special Olympics after she graduates from the University of South Carolina.
Coach Austin, who is praised highly by Emma for also having compassion towards others, says that Emma is a rare breed. ” Emma can take a negative situation, work through it and turn it into a positive. It is rare to find someone as genuine and sincere as she is!”
NAME: Hannah Kaye Allen
SCHOOL: University Christian
GRADE: 10th
POSITION: Flyer
At only two years old, Hannah began her first cheer/tumble class and has been hooked on cheerleading ever since. She has worked tirelessly throughout the years to become the best she can be and truly has a love for the sport of cheerleading. Hannah is constantly motivated by her unparalleled passion for the sport and is highly competitive against herself.
“Once I achieve one goal, I constantly reach for higher, more challenging goals,” says Hannah.
Coach Del Valle affirms that Hannah is a natural born leader who shines no matter what situation she is in. “She is the definition of perseverance!” says coach Del Valle. “ Hannah has reached a level of talent that most girls only dream of, but is willing to do whatever is needed to ensure the team’s success. Hannah truly has the Lord’s blessing upon her.”
According to Hannah, game days at University Christian are always electric and she is proud to help add to the excitement. When not on the sidelines supporting the Fightin’ Christians, Hannah dances competitively on the senior hip hop team, coaches special needs athletes, instructs the lower school cheer team and is a member of a local competition cheer team, First Class Athletic. Another activity that Hannah is involved in that many people might not know is performing at the Jacksonville Sharks games.
Hannah credits much of her success to having two incredible influences for not just cheerleading, but as life mentors. “My coaches, Jeleen De’Valle and Summer Hancock, have the strongest Christian character and promote the same in each of us,” says Hannah. “ I love that they totally believe in me and support me to push for higher and broader goals.”
After high school, Hannah will be going to college and hopes to continue cheer and dance at the next level. She says that growing up in the south, supporting SEC football has always been a favorite family activity. With the Florida Gators being her favorite team, we might just be able to see Hannah wearing blue and orange next fall. With her drive, passion and leadership, we believe she can accomplish anything she sets met mind to.
NAME: Kamryn Reimer
SCHOOL: Fleming Island
GRADE: 11th
POSITION: Flyer
Kamryn has only been cheering for five years, but you would never know that she got a late start according to her coach. “Kamryn is also one of the best and most natural sideline cheerleaders that I have seen on any high school sideline,” says coach Andrews. “She loves leading the crowd to help our team on the field to victory! We are very lucky that Kamryn is part of this program.”
Trying out for cheer for the first time during junior high, Kamryn was told she would never make it by the girls that had been cheering since grade school. “That whole week I dedicated all of my free time to practicing the tryout material,” says Kamryn. “I was extremely proud to be a part of the team and of the work I put in to make it. I would definitely tell any aspiring cheerleaders that it is important to work for what you want.”
It took a lot of motivation to go out and try out for something she had never done before. Kamryn continues to pursue perfection in her cheering by reminding herself that she has a whole team behind her and trusting that she will do her part to the best of her ability each and every time.
Although a standout on the sideline cheer team, Kamryn’s favorite part of cheer is competition season. “ I love challenging myself and watching me teammates do the same. It is so much fun to travel and get to bond even more with me team. By competition season, we really do feel like a family,” says Kamryn.
The junior flyer says that game days are a really big deal at Fleming Island. The cheerleaders, football players, dance team, band and color guard dress up and the school is always buzzing with energy.
As president of the Red Cross Club, assistant president of the Girl Up Club, member of the Beta Club and National Honor Society, Kamryn is certainly well prepared to achieve her next goal of attending college in the state of Florida.
“Kamryn embodies all of the positive characteristics of a true leader and human being. She is kind, respectful, dependable, inspiring, completely trustworthy, and genuinely cares about everyone around her,” said coach Andrews.
NAME: Kayley Kline
SCHOOL: First Coast
GRADE: 12th
POSITION: Backspot/Tumbler/Squad Leader
Kayley is a second generation Buccaneer. Her father was starting quarterback at First Coast and her mother cheered on the same exact sidelines that she does now. Perhaps her lineage has a little something to do with her coach describing her as a natural leader.
“It is refreshing to see her in action,” says coach Turner. ” She is never rude or bossy. She leads by encouraging others, offering creative ideas and by example.”
Kayley’s involvement with cheer goes way beyond Friday nights. She can be found every Saturday during the fall, leading young Buc cheerleaders at Oceanway Pop Warner Association, where she has coached the past two years.
“One of my main motivations to excel at cheerleading besides my family, is the young girls at Oceanway who aspire to cheer for the high school someday,” says Kayley. “Most of them come to watch the games and are a constant reminder that I have to be positive and set a good example.”
When Kayley was six years old, she started out in the same program as the girls she leads today. The passion and support for the Buccaneers on the Northside of Jacksonville is something that Kayley is very proud to be a part of.
She tells In the Game “Being that our football team has been district and Gateway Conference Champions for several years, I think the game day atmosphere is more exciting than ever.”
As a member of National Honor Society, the yearbook committee, assisting a team at the Special Olympics, or competing on an area all-stars team, Kayley is whole heartedly dedicated to being the best she can possibly be. Next year, Kayley will be attending Florida International where she plans to obtain her degree in nursing.
Coach Turner is very excited for Kayley’s future. ” It has been an honor to coach Kayley on both a high school and an All-Star level. I am really excited to see where her cheer future takes her, because wherever it is, those that receive her should feel honored because she is truly one of the greatest!”
Northeast Florida/October 2015
Player Spotlight
Brittany Sullo, Elizabeth Longendelpher, Emma Weiskopf, Hannah Kaye Allen, Kamryn Reimer, & Kayley Kline
Bishop Kenny High School
By: Skyler Callender
