Haylie Hill is a senior at Bixby and has a role as the backspot on the Spartan cheer team. The Spartans recently competed in the state competition and finished runner up in the Large School Co-Ed competition with a score of 286.2. Recently Hill shared some thoughts with VYPE magazine about her life in cheer, Bixby High School, and her plans for the future.

VYPE: What qualities go into being a cheerleader?

Haylie: As a cheerleader, it is important to know that it’s a team sport. Working on skills on your own time, makes not only yourself but your team better. Knowing how to be coachable is crucial to improving in this sport. I think the most important qualities to have in cheer is dedication, honesty, teamwork and effort. I personally love the friendships and teamwork that cheer has given me. As a senior, I have realized I need to be a positive leader and teammate. 

VYPE: When did you first start competing in cheer?

Haylie: I first started cheer in second grade! I took a little break, came back in 5th grade and have been doing it since. This will be my ninth and last year of cheerleading. 

VYPE: What are your goals for the year?

Haylie: My goals this year are to show full effort and have no regrets! I want to do the best of my ability at state, nationals and stunt my last year. I want to have the best senior year possible, in and out of cheer. 

VYPE: Do you have any role models?

Haylie: In cheer, my biggest role models were the class of ‘22. It has been so weird without them this year, but they truly made me the athlete I am. They not only helped me become a better athlete, but a better person. I will forever love our friendships and the routines we got to do together! 

VYPE: What are you most excited about the rest of the year?

Haylie: I am super excited for UCA nationals this year! This part of the year is so exciting, because we get to compete against the best teams around the country. I had so much fun last year. Although we didn’t win, we still performed and placed great! We grew together as a team and program.

VYPE: What are your plans after high school?

Haylie: I plan to attend OU or OSU for the fall of 2023. I am interested in majoring in health sciences to become a Physician’s Assistant or Physical Therapist.

Photo courtesy of Julie Cavender