HOLLY POND, Ala. – Friday was a big day at Holly Pond High School for senior cheerleader Jacey Wise along with her friends, family and teammates as they gathered in the library to recognize Wise as she takes her cheer career to the next level. Wise has earned a scholarship from Wallace State Community College to extend her cheerleading career with the Lions and she will miss her time with the Broncos but is also anxious to apply what she has learned in that time.
“I’ll miss all of my friendships here and of course Emily (Brown),” Wise smiled. “This is just a great opportunity. I got better mostly with my stunting and then just being here just taught me how to be part of a team really.”
Wise is excited to move into another skill level at Wallace State and she’s already looking forward to preparing for competition.
“Skill-wise, just moving up to the next level of skill is what I’m most excited about,” Wise said. “And I would say I’m nervous about practice for nationals because that’s going to be two-a-day practices but I’m ready for it.”
Holly Pond cheer coach Emily Brown has seen Wise develop as an athlete over her years with the Broncos, but she has seen her develop into a leader as well.
“When Jacey started off, she was very meek, and I didn’t know how far she would take it,” Brown said. “I thought maybe she would just be a high school cheerleader, but she became really driven and she was always the one working out, always the one that was leading.”
Obviously, it takes talent to cheer at the collegiate level but what makes Wise stand out to Brown is her work ethic. She saw her train as much as she had to over these last several years until she realized her ultimate goal.
“If people weren’t working, she was still going to do it. She went on her own to gym classes and tumble classes and did everything she could,” Brown said. “She committed herself to that dream and she made it happen so I’m pretty proud of her.”
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