By Derrick Smith

Role models can play a big role in the lives of young people, especially those that play sports. Whether it is someone we view from a distance or someone that we are close to, a role model is someone we look up to and try to emulate. Rylee Maloney says that the biggest influences on her life are the people she is around every day.

“The people that have a big influence on me are my teammates and coaches,” she said. “They always help me push myself to be the best version of myself and to reach my goals.”

Maloney is a senior at Mustang High School. She is a co-captain on the varsity cheer squad. While this is her sixth year of cheering for Mustang, it is her eighth year of cheer overall.

There is another person that Rylee says has played a big role in her life. 

“My favorite teacher is Caitlyn Walker,” she said. “She is our cheer sponsor, and she has always been supportive and motivating for our whole team.”

The success that Maloney has experienced during her cheer career is not just something that happened. Instead, it has only happened because of Rylee’s hard work and dedication.

“In order to be successful, I have had to give up a lot of time,” she said. “I have had to work constantly to perfect my individual skills.”

As a member of the cheer team, there have been a lot of great moments that Rylee has been able to enjoy with her teammates and coaches. While she has enjoyed all of them, there are a couple that she says are her favorites. 

“Making the All-State cheer team was one of my main highlights,” she said. “Another was having the opportunity to speak to many colleges about cheering at their school. Both of these experiences really helped me feel like all the effort I had put in for eight years was worth it.”

Along with cheer, Maloney is also a part of the National Honor Society as well as the student council.