Southmoore’s Ashlee Abel – Character Counts sponsored by Eskridge Honda

Written by Kelsey Baucom

After being a gymnast for twelve years, Ashlee Abel quit her freshman year of high school. Since then she has replaced the sport with cheerleading for Southmoore High.

“Gymnastics just became boring to me and I lost interest,” said Abel. “Cheerleading always seemed fun and challenging. I took the opportunity to work on my skills and try out for the team my sophomore year.”

In addition to gaining a new love for cheerleading, Abel also gained close friendships and mentors in her teammates and coaches.

“My teammates mean something to me that no one else does. They’re my family and my best friends who always have my back,” she said. “My coaches are a huge influence on my life and have more faith in me than I have in myself sometimes.”

Abel’s role as team captain has taught her valuable lessons in leadership.

“What helps me strive to be a great leader is being a good example for the younger girls on the team,” she said. “They look up to us seniors and know I’m always here if they ever need any advice.”

Cheer, National Honor Society, Multicultural Club, Student Council, and Senior Council are the activities that Abel will remember about Southmoore High, but her fellow students and faculty are what she will miss. She described the school as ‘one big family.’ With graduation only a couple months away, she already has big plans lined up.

“After high school I’m attending the University of Oklahoma and plan on joining a sorority and trying out for the cheer team. Boomer Sooner!”