Lindsay High School senior Shelby Quinn has dedicated much of her high school career to cheer, both on the sidelines and in competitive settings. As a side base and tumbler, Quinn has embraced the challenges and rewards that come with the sport, using every opportunity to better herself as both an athlete and a teammate.
“For me, cheer is about becoming the best version of myself,” Quinn said. “Not just for me, but for my team. The work I put in now makes me better in cheer, but it also improves my life as a whole.”
One of her biggest sources of motivation came from last year’s senior class, who encouraged her to give it her all. Their success and leadership gave Quinn a standard to strive for. Another influential figure has been her Vo-Tech teacher, Mrs. Laningham, who always provided a listening ear and a supportive environment. “Coming to her class was always fun,” Quinn shared. “She would listen when I needed to vent my frustrations, and that meant a lot to me.”
Quinn knows the demands of cheer are high. “You’ve got to have a positive attitude, always,” she explained. “We put in countless reps of stunting and tumbling, memorize cheers and cadences, and we still have to perform with a smile.” That hard work paid off in her sophomore year when her team won a state championship, a moment she counts as her highlight memory. She also finds extra pride when Lindsay beats private schools. “They usually have more resources than us, so winning shows how hard we work and how much we want it.”
Beyond cheer, Quinn is a leader in her school community, serving on Student Council, as an officer in the National Honor Society, and volunteering as a coach for the 9-and-under cheer team. Balancing academics, activities, and cheer requires focus. “You need to have your priorities straight,” she said.
For Quinn, representing Lindsay High School is about more than performing. “It means I’m encouraging, respectful, and showing good sportsmanship,” she said. With her passion, leadership, and commitment, Quinn leaves a lasting impression both on and off the mat.
