VYPE: What goals do you have for this year?
Shelby: My goals for this year is being someone that can step in anywhere and also someone that is down for anything. Now that I’m a sophomore and it’s my 2nd year I don’t have all the freshman fears! I love learning and participating in new skills, so now I just need to step up.
VYPE: What has your sport taught you that you use in your daily life?
Shelby: My sport has taught me to be patient and that you need teamwork. I’ve learned that the best things always take time and that you can’t always do it on your own. In cheer it’s all about working as a team and to be able to do that you will need some patience.
VYPE: Who is your favorite teacher from any grade and why?
Shelby: My favorite teacher is my coach who was also my 1st grade teacher, Valerie Odom. I remember being in elementary school and finding out that she was a cheer coach, I remember wanting to one day cheer for her. Throughout high school she has been someone I can talk to and is also looking out for me. The little girl in me is so happy she is my coach.
VYPE: Who inspires you and why?
Shelby: My mom inspires me the most. She is hardworking and humble. She is also very patient, sometimes coming home from practice I’m not in the best of moods, but she’s always there to support me. I don’t know where I would be without her and her pushing me to my full potential.
VYPE: What teammate has left the biggest impression on you and why?
Shelby: A teammate that has left the biggest impression is Kaylea Miller. She is someone I consider a best friend and is always there to help. We grew up cheering for little leagues and middle school together. Now that we are on the varsity cheer team together it has made our bond even stronger.
VYPE: What is your favorite part about being on a team?
Shelby: My favorite part of being on a team is having this built in family. I consider all my teammates family and they are all someone I care for. It’s nice knowing they are all someone I can talk to and they also care for me.
VYPE: Who in your family is the best athlete? Explain.
Shelby: That’s a tough one! My family is very competitive and all good at sports. Someone that stands out to me the most is my cousin, Brad Davis. His love and dedication for basketball is truly inspiring. He helped win his high school state championship for Red Oak in 2016. He continued to play in college finishing his collegiate career at NSU. Now he is the head coach for Quinton girls varsity basketball team.
VYPE: What’s one sport you wish you could play that you don’t already play?
Shelby: One sport I wish I could play is Stickball. I’ve been fortunate enough to pick up some sticks a couple of times. I love watching people play and enjoy their culture. Hopefully one day I can be part of a team and help spread my culture.
VYPE: What profession would you like to work in?
Shelby: I would like to work in either law or finance. I’m a math person and enjoy doing it. I also want to help others out.