By Derrick Smith

Success is something that everyone strives for no matter what field they are in. Whether it is a business person, a teacher, an entrepreneur, or something else, they want to be the best that they can be. High school athletes are no different, they want to compete and the highest level that they are able to. Kyah Williams knows what it takes for her to be successful as a cheerleader, student, and a person.

“What it takes for me to be successful in my sport is to take corrections, stay active, and practice even when you aren’t in practice in any way you can. Balancing clubs, sports, school work, and out of school activities is definitely a challenge for me, but I have been getting a lot better at managing my time. I manage my time best when I have a planner and write down everything I have for the week, and prioritize what’s more important.”

Kyah is a senior at Stillwater High School. She is the captain of the cheer team and is a main base and tumbler on the squad. Outside of sports, she is also a member of Stillwater Makes A Change, student council, and the Key Club.

There have been people that have touched Williams’ life over the years and she has two that have made the biggest impact.

“My coach Kaitlynn Vollmer is someone who I look up to,” Kyah said. “She is an amazing cheerleader and one of the hardest workers I know. Another role model in my life is my mother, because she shows integrity and kindness to others, which inspires me to do the same. My favorite teacher is Mr. Davis who teachers newspaper, Journalism and yearbook. He has taught me life skills and lessons that I can use in my life after graduating.”

Williams has made a lot of memories with her cheer teammates and as she looks back, there is one that stands out as her favorite.

“A highlight in my cheer career was last year when we were working hard and making it to state for stunt,” she said. “We were able to bond on the bus rides there and back.”