Booneville, Miss. - The Northeast Mississippi Community College cheerleading program has expanded to its largest roster size since transitioning back to an all-female organization in the fall of 2010.
A record 20 young ladies are part of Northeast's spirit squad for the 2018-19 academic year. They will make their official debut during the first home football game of the season on Thursday, September 6 against Copiah-Lincoln Community College.
"I'm excited about adding to our number of cheerleaders," said Northeast cheer coach Chasity Moore. "This addition is a direct result of the extremely talented athletes that showed up for our tryouts in the spring. I can't wait to see what all this group will accomplish."
Eight ladies return for their final campaign in a black-and-gold uniform, including Destiny Hampton and Maggie Knight from Hatley High School. Joining them from neighboring Itawamba County is Victoria Simpson of Mantachie.
Ripley High School is the most represented institution this year. The trio of Kaitlin Brannan, C.J. Childers and Kyana Storey will all reunite once again on the Booneville campus.
The Tigers have four representatives that hail from outside the Magnolia State, including Brooklyn Jade Moore and Shelby Smith of Colbert Heights (Ala.) High School. Rounding out that list is another native of the Shoals in Baylee Marks plus Halls, Tenn., product Jessica Ross.
Former high school rivals turned teammates Mikenlee Stephens from Belmont and Iuka's Sarah Beth Wilburn complete the list of sophomores that were members of the team during the previous school year.
The remaining newcomers predominantly originate from Northeast's traditional five-county service area. That includes New Albany's Carey Beth Doyle, Ainsley Renfrow of Kossuth High School and Tishomingo County High School alumnus Abbey Rickard.
Booneville High School graduates Mackenzie Garner and Caleigh Scroggins did not leave the City of Hospitality to find their new cheer organization. Jeni Kate Scott enters the ranks from nearby Baldwyn as well.
Saltillo High School's Madie Sudduth and Anna Madison Wood of Hernando conclude the Tigers' lineup for both the upcoming football and basketball campaigns.
From pep rallies on Thursday afternoons in the fall to the final whistle of the season inside newly renovated Bonner Arnold Coliseum, Northeast's cheerleaders are charged with providing positive support for the athletic department throughout the year.
For more information about the Northeast cheerleading squad, contact Moore at 662-720-7189 or by email at cgmoore@nemcc.edu.