By Rose Hutchins
The Texhoma-Goodwell cheer team continues to grow each year. This season’s squad is made up of 15 athletes, including three seniors, who lead with good sportsmanship. As a merged sideline cheer team, they work hard to come together as a team to support their schools with honor. Cheer offers so much to its members: it teaches teamwork, leadership, dedication, and confidence far beyond the sidelines.
Coach Rylee Higgins serves as the head coach of the Texhoma-Goodwell cheer squad and has been immersed in athletics her whole life. She grew up in a family where both parents were educators and coaches for more than 30 years. Naturally, she was drawn to the career and followed in their footsteps, and she has loved every second of it. After serving four years as assistant coach, Higgins officially took over the team in 2020 and is now in her fifth year leading the program. Coach Samantha Ondyack, who heads the Goodwell team, joins the squad during football season and brings a great deal of ideas and fun energy to the unified team.
The Texhoma-Goodwell cheer team is a dedicated sideline cheer squad, combining athletes from both schools during football season. Since Texhoma and Goodwell co-op for football, their cheer squads also join together uniting as one solid team, giving everyone the opportunity to make new friends and memories together.
“When describing the team, I’d smile and say the girls are full of life,” Coach Higgins shares. “My team is full of different personalities, a good word to describe them is ‘spunky’!”
This season, the team’s biggest goal is to learn new stunts. They’re focusing on building their teamwork and gaining trust with one another through regular practice. For senior Melinda Ortega, cheer isn’t just a sport, it’s a passion.
“Being a cheerleader has always been such a joy for me. I love my team, and the stunting. I love being part of a sport that not only encourages individuality but also teamwork! Cheering on my community has shaped me into who I am today, and I love having a special hand in every game day,” said Ortega.
Ultimately, the Texhoma-Goodwell cheerleaders are building confidence, teamwork, and school spirit, bringing enthusiasm and pride to every Red Devil football game.
