Junior Grace Jackson is in her second season competing with both the gameday varsity and junior varsity competition cheer teams. Known for her strong tumbling skills and dependable back spotting, Jackson brings effort and enthusiasm to every practice and competition. Her consistent hard work and spirit earned her Southeastern Sports Network’s Athlete of the Week #10.
Winning Athlete of the Week came as a surprise to Jackson, who was up against three other talented HSE athletes. Though the award recognizes her individual performance, Jackson credits her coaches and teammates for helping her reach this point. She said their constant support pushes her to improve and stay consistent in everything she does.
“I wouldn’t be where I am today without my coaches and teammates,” Jackson said. “Their constant support makes me better and keeps me consistent.”
She also expressed gratitude to her coach and teammates for the nomination. 
“Being nominated by Coach Hudson for Athlete of the Week made me feel very honored and appreciative that I have such supportive coaches around me,” Jackson said.“However, cheer is a team sport, and I couldn’t have done this without my teammates as well.”
Cheerleading is a year-round commitment, but the competition season lasts only two months, packed with nearly eight weekends of late Friday night lights and early morning cheer competitions. Heading into their first competition, Jackson said she felt nervous but trusted her team’s preparation and potential.
“I was so excited but also nervous at the Eastern Hancock Competition because it was our first time competing this routine as a team,” Jackson said. “I knew we were ready to show how much we’ve grown and how far we’ve come since the summer, and that’s exactly what we did.”
This season came with its share of challenges to the victory’s, including injuries, lineup changes, and new teammates. But Jackson and her teammates focused on lifting each other up and working together through it all.
“Something I’m really proud of is how our team was able to support one another through so many changes,” Jackson said. “In the end, we were always there for each other, and that’s why we had so much success this season.”
Jackson’s leadership, positive attitude, and perseverance have made her not only a standout athlete but also a proud example of HSE cheerleading, showing teamwork and dedication wherever she goes.
