SOPHIE EATON

MCALESTER HIGH SCHOOL

She speaks with a maturity and eloquence that belies her young sophomore status at McAlester High School but Sophie Eaton, a member of the McAlester cheer squad, owes a lot of her maturity to the eight years she has spent in 4H where she is an Oklahoma State Ambassador. That background helped her become Miss McAlester Teen and to be a cheer captain every year since she took up cheer in seventh grade.

“She is a captain, a leader and a great role model for our team,” said cheer coach Brooklyn Williams. “She’s been a big part of our preparation for the OSSAA Competitive cheer competition this year where she is a main base in our pyramid stunts as well as the Game Day competition later this fall.”

Sophie got her start in cheer in elementary school, but it took some effort.

“The little school (Frink-Chambers) where I grew up didn’t have a cheer program, so we had to combine with the Savanna junior high to form a team and that’s where I started. I love everything about cheer but particularly the stunting as well as the Friday night lights football games.”

In addition to cheer and 4H, Sophie is also a member of the Buffaloes golf team.

“My older brother played golf so when I got to McAlester, I tried out and made the varsity golf team my freshman year to follow in his footsteps and be able to play on the same team his last year.”

Sophie also gave a big shout out to her mom for being a driving force behind her successes.

“My mom has also ways taught me to go for your dreams and has been there to help me along the way.”

Though just a sophomore, Sophie is considered by coach Williams to be one of the leaders on the cheer squad and she again credits her 4H background as playing a part in that.

“I think my leadership style developed from 4H. I think a good leader is someone that’s not necessarily in charge of the whole team but is someone that who connects the team and helps them grow.”