Bailey Huffman

Vinita High School

By Trina Walker

Being selected as All-American in cheer is an accomplishment awarded to the top cheerleaders during NCA summer camps. Bailey Huffman is proud to have achieved this distinction her senior year. 

“If it was easy everyone would do it,” is advice that pushes Bailey to be the best cheerleader she can be for her team. Bailey has cheered on the varsity team at Vinita High School for three years. “Being a part of this team taught me that being able to speak up for yourself and others is important,” said Bailey.

VHS cheerleaders host a mini cheer clinic for elementary students. This is one of Bailey’s favorite events to represent her school. She enjoys seeing their excitement as they wait for their turn on the field. These kids look up to her and the other high school cheerleaders. “The kids that have been to mini clinic remember us in or out of uniform,” said Bailey.

Bailey is passionate about cheer and the skill required to excel at it. “It is always changing, and the only thing that can hold me down is the fear of failure,” she said. Bailey looks up to Cynthia, a teammate who faced challenges and came out strong. “She had hip surgery, and she never let it stop her,” said Bailey.

Bailey is inspired by her cousin Taylor. She set a high academic standard by scoring in the 30’s on her ACT. Taylor is also someone Bailey looks up to in the cheer world. “She is cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs team and getting her degree,” says Bailey.

She does not look up to any professional athletes in particular. Rather, she respects their athletic abilities while viewing them as regular people. “I look at them I think of how they are just like everyone else. They get hurt, make mistakes, and can continue to learn,” she says.

Bailey’s parents have always supported her dream. She is thankful to them and looks forward to spending time with her family on the beach in Ocean Springs, Mississippi where they can all be together.