The Senior Spirit Athlete of the Year Award is given to a Senior cheerleader or dancer who achieved excellence in their sport. To be eligible for this award, the senior must have been committed to Mercy spirit for all four years of their career. They have displayed dedication to their team, leadership, and sportsmanship while competing at the highest level in cheerleading or dance. 

This year's award winner has been a member of the team all four years and has become a leader on and off the mat. While she shines on the mat as one of our most experienced Cheerleaders she really found her stride in role as Cheer Captain this year. There are many things I can say about this athlete but instead I will read something she wrote to her teammates on the eve of their first competition. 

“As we officially head into the competition season, I wanted to let you girls know how proud I am of the hard work and commitment you have put into this season! Before you sleep tonight take a moment to visualize your perfect sideline routine. Every single word, motion, and every moment you can smile bigger and interact with the crowd. Tonight go to sleep confident in what you will put on that mat. Think about every time you did not want to practice and remember those practices are the ones that pay off the most. We have gone through months and months of training to put it all on the mat for each and every comp this season. Months of challenges that have molded each of us to the best versions of ourselves. Remember we practice FOR THIS MOMENT and this moment ONLY. Tomorrow we will get to show off the skills we have been working hard for. This season has been nowhere near easy but I am so proud of each and every one of you! Proud of the commitment you have for this team. Proud of what you do but most importantly, proud of WHO YOU ARE-an athlete and a great human being.