Words by Anna Lee Vaughn | Images by Ryan McGill
Ashlyn Mays recently accepted a Bevill State Community College Cheerleading Scholarship to continue her lifelong, award-winning career.
Ashlyn has been cheerleading since she was four years old, earning experience in competition groups, school teams, and ACE All-Star Cheerleading.
Ashlyn says that, over the years, cheerleading has fostered many character traits that will be useful throughout her life, including teamwork, discipline, communication skills, time management, self-confidence, and attention to detail.
After years of implementing these behaviors into her everyday life, Ashlyn’s hard work has paid off.
She is a two-time Alabama State Cheer champion, holds three regional titles, and has cheered with top-10 ranking squads at the National High School Cheerleading Competition.
When Ashlyn chose to begin her college education at Bevill, she immediately knew she wanted to continue her cheerleading career at the junior college level.
Bevill Cheer Coach Beth Borders was familiar with Ashlyn’s many accolades and approached her about joining the team, which is a scholarship-only position.
Spurred by her love for cheerleading and encouragement from her parents, Ashlyn accepted the scholarship.
While furthering her cheerleading experience, Ashlyn plans to pursue a degree in cybersecurity, eventually transferring to the University of Alabama to complete her studies.
In the meantime, Ashlyn looks back fondly on her cheer career thus far and looks forward with much enthusiasm and ambition for the future.
“I’m so excited to cheer the BSCC basketball team on to a state championship, grow with my team, and create long-lasting friendships! I also look forward to being part of a tradition that began many years ago at Walker College, seeing how cheerleading, basketball, and a renovated Clem Gym will draw the support of the community to watch games. Go Bears! Let’s pack Clem Gym!” WL
