High above the mat, Brookelyn Ridley has learned that success as a flyer depends on more than confidence. It takes trust, in teammates who provide the foundation, coaches who demand excellence and the people who have encouraged her long before she stepped into a cheer uniform.

Ridley, a senior at Altus High School, serves as a flyer for the Bulldog cheer program. She embraces the responsibility that comes with being elevated in a stunt, knowing every performance requires focus, timing and a commitment to the team around her.

Her motivation comes from a special person in her life: her Mimi.

“My Mimi” is what motivates Ridley most, while her parents, Mimi and coaches have all played major roles in helping her become the athlete and student she is today.

“They push me every day to be better and better,” Ridley said.

That encouragement has helped Ridley build a mindset centered on determination and will. Those qualities have been especially important as she balances cheerleading with a full senior-year schedule. Along with competing for Altus, she is involved in Kay Klub and Link Crew, attends vo-tech and takes college classes.

For Ridley, success in the classroom and in athletics begins with being organized, but it also requires the resolve to keep working when the schedule becomes demanding.

“Just by being organized and being determined,” Ridley said of what it takes to balance schoolwork and athletics.

One of the defining moments of her cheer career came when the Bulldogs earned second runner-up at the Class 5A state competition. The accomplishment reflected the work and preparation required of a competitive cheer squad, while also giving Ridley and her teammates a moment they could celebrate together. Altus cheer has continued to build a strong competitive tradition, including its 2025 Game Day Cheer State Runner-Up finish.

There is also no shortage of energy when the Bulldogs meet Cache. With both schools carrying the Bulldog mascot, the matchup has an added layer of pride for Ridley.

“Cache, since it’s the battle of the Bulldogs,” Ridley said when asked about her favorite opponent to beat.

At school, Ridley appreciates Coach Kendall, a teacher and mentor she can turn to for life advice.

“He always listens when I need life advice,” she said.

As her final season at Altus continues, Ridley is grateful for the chance to represent her school. Wearing Bulldog colors is not something she takes lightly.

“It feels like a blessing to represent Altus,” Ridley said.

For Ridley, that blessing is carried into every practice, every stunt and every opportunity to compete alongside the teammates who make the climb possible.