Spirited and Strong: Molly Frances’ Cheerleading Journey
From championship games to national competitions, STM senior Molly Frances shares her favorite memories, hard-earned lessons, and love for the sport of cheer.
Name: Molly-Frances Angelle
Age: 18 years old
School: St. Thomas More Catholic High School
Sport: Cheerleading
How long have you participated in cheerleading?
I have been a cheerleader all four years of high school and have been blessed to serve as my squad’s Chaplain this year!
I have been a cheerleader all four years of high school and have been blessed to serve as my squad’s Chaplain this year!
Where do you normally practice?
I practiced at school on Tuesdays and Thursdays and also took weekly tumbling lessons.
I practiced at school on Tuesdays and Thursdays and also took weekly tumbling lessons.
If you are on a team, what is the name?
I have been a member of both the STM Spirit Squad and Competition Squad.
I have been a member of both the STM Spirit Squad and Competition Squad.
Have you traveled anywhere related to this activity?
With cheerleading, I have traveled to many away games, as well as competitions in Hammond, New Orleans, and Orlando.
With cheerleading, I have traveled to many away games, as well as competitions in Hammond, New Orleans, and Orlando.
What events have you participated in?
I have participated in UCA camps, regional and national competitions, and have had the opportunity to cheer at State Championship games for football, basketball, volleyball, and soccer.
I have participated in UCA camps, regional and national competitions, and have had the opportunity to cheer at State Championship games for football, basketball, volleyball, and soccer.
Have you won any awards/honors?
I have been named an All-American cheerleader, as well as my squad’s Most Inspirational Cheerleader, Most Dependable Cheerleader, Tough Cookie Award winner, and Positive Attitude Award winner!
I have been named an All-American cheerleader, as well as my squad’s Most Inspirational Cheerleader, Most Dependable Cheerleader, Tough Cookie Award winner, and Positive Attitude Award winner!
What have you learned from this activity?
I have learned many things in this sport! Dedication to my tumbling classes was necessary throughout the years, as well as perseverance and resilience—especially after a stunting accident that required three surgeries on the same finger!
I have learned many things in this sport! Dedication to my tumbling classes was necessary throughout the years, as well as perseverance and resilience—especially after a stunting accident that required three surgeries on the same finger!
What do you like the most about this activity?
I love getting to spend time with friends at practices and games, as well as getting to support my friends who are playing on the field or court!
I love getting to spend time with friends at practices and games, as well as getting to support my friends who are playing on the field or court!
Do you have a favorite moment?
I think cheering in the Superdome for the state football championship games during my sophomore and junior years was probably one of my favorite memories!
I think cheering in the Superdome for the state football championship games during my sophomore and junior years was probably one of my favorite memories!
What’s one tip you would give to someone looking to get into this activity?
I would recommend consistently attending tumbling classes to help gain confidence—especially for tryouts!
I would recommend consistently attending tumbling classes to help gain confidence—especially for tryouts!