Athletes know that in order to reach their full potential, they have to be willing to do whatever it takes. That could be extra practice time after everyone else has gone home, working in the weight room, or something else. Kaitlyn Aucoin is a cheerleader at Chandler High School and she says that though the work is tough, she has seen the fruits of her labor.

“It takes a lot of hard work and commitment and pushing yourself to be the best,” she said. “The highlight moment of my career was when I was on a Twist and Shout cheer team as a competitive cheerleader and we won one of our biggest competitions. Knowing that we had put in all the preparation and work beforehand and seeing it pay off was a great feeling.”

Aucoin, who is a senior, is a flyer and a main base for the Lions varsity cheer team. Away from sports, she is a member of the Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America, serves as class vice president, and is a member of the BancFirst Student Board of Directors.

As a member of the cheer team, Kaitlyn works very closely with her teammates in practice, on the sidelines, and in competition.

Aucoin’s teammates on the cheer team are one of the reasons she enjoys cheering. Not only do they get along well on and off the mat, but they also help each other along the way.

“Grace Thompson is probably the teammate I enjoy working with the most,” she said. “We have been on the same team together since we were young. and we always make each other the best we can be. Another teammate, Anna Phillips, is always so positive and makes people in better moods. I can definitely see her being a great captain one day.”

Cynthia Snider is the cheer coach at Chandler High School. She says that Kaitlyn is an outstanding cheerleader and a great teammate.

“Kaitlyn is an all-round cheerleader,” the coach said. “She can base stunts, fly a stunt, and her tumbling skills are amazing. She has a jump sequence like no other and she is a good leader. She will do great things with the team and in cheer in the future.”

Photograph courtesy of Flora Photographs