Words by Thomas Ingle | Images by Ryan McGill
Bevill State Community College sophomore Olivia Thomason is building connections one cheer at a time.
Olivia didn’t grow up as a cheerleader; her first love was actually dance. As a member of her school’s dance team, she thrived on the rhythm and performance. But in seventh grade, her friends encouraged her to switch gears and join the cheer team at Oakman High School. It was a leap of faith, but one that changed her life.
Now cheering for Bevill, Olivia is proud to be part of a program led by Coach Beth Borders, whom she describes as a guiding force for the team.
“She’s so funny, has the best personality, and she’s so sweet. She’s very cautious and wants us to be safe,” Olivia says.
Off the mat, Olivia’s passion for connection shines through. Working in customer service has opened her eyes to how much she enjoys interacting with people. This realization inspired her to pursue a communications degree, a path she plans to continue at Auburn University after graduating from Bevill State.
“I’ve discovered how meaningful it is to build relationships and help others,” Olivia shared. “It’s something I want to carry into my career.”
As she prepares for her next chapter, one thing is clear: wherever life takes her, Olivia will land on her feet—and thrive. WL
