Josie Gilchrist has spent most of her life as a cheerleader, a role she embraced at a young age and has grown into with unwavering dedication. For over a decade, she’s been the energetic force behind the Bulldogs’ spirit, from pep rallies to football games, always with a smile and boundless enthusiasm. But as she approaches the end of her senior year, Gilchrist reflects on her journey, one that has taught her not just the value of hard work and teamwork, but also the importance of leadership and balance.

Gilchrist’s journey into cheerleading started in elementary school. “I started when I was six or seven years old,” she recalls. “I just saw the older girls cheerleading at school, and I thought it looked so cool. I wanted to be just like them.”

Unlike many athletes whose families are involved in their sport, Gilchrist’s cheerleading path was self-motivated. “My mom was into basketball, and my family wasn’t really involved in cheerleading,” she explains. “But I saw it, and I knew that’s what I wanted to do.”

Throughout her career, Gilchrist has made memories that will last a lifetime, with the 2021 state championship standing out as a particularly unforgettable moment. “That was the best moment. We were cheering at the football state championship, and I’d never been on such a big field before. It felt surreal,” she says, her voice still filled with excitement. “It was such an incredible experience.”

While the glory of big wins is certainly sweet, it’s the challenges that have truly shaped Gilchrist as an athlete. “Football season, especially when playoffs start, is tough,” she admits. “You have midterms, practices, pep rallies, it’s a lot to juggle. But you have to manage it all. I’d do schoolwork during the day, cheer in the afternoon, and still find time to talk with my teammates and coach about routines.”

But it wasn’t just about the physical demands. Being a cheerleader also meant developing skills she could apply outside the sport. “I’ve learned to speak up more. I used to be really shy, but cheerleading pushed me to be more confident, to talk louder, and lead with conviction,” she says. “That’s something I use every day, in school and life.”

As a senior, Gilchrist has naturally taken on a leadership role within the team. “My best friend and I have been co-captains for the last two years,” she says. “Since we’ve become seniors, we’ve had younger girls come to us for advice. It’s been rewarding to help guide them and share what we’ve learned.”

For Gilchrist, cheerleading has played a larger role in her school than just supporting sports teams. “We bring spirit and energy. Without cheerleaders, the school wouldn’t have the same excitement. We decorate the halls, lead pep rallies, and get everyone fired up for games,” she says. “It’s a way of bringing the whole school together, especially during football season.”

Looking ahead, Gilchrist is unsure if cheerleading will follow her into college. “I’m thinking about it, but college and a job would be a lot to handle,” she admits. “I’m planning on going to college and maybe majoring in education. Coastal is at the top of my list, but I’m also considering other options. I’ll figure it out when the time comes.”

As for the future of the cheerleading program, Gilchrist has big plans. “We’ll continue with basketball season, but I want to make it special this year,” she says. “There are so many seniors on the basketball team, and I’d love for us to have spirit days and really amp up the energy for playoff games.