From the sidelines, the role of a cheer base can be easy to overlook. But for Altus High School sophomore Gracie Emerson, it requires trust, strength, timing and a commitment to putting her teammates in position to succeed.

Emerson competes in both cheer and tennis for the Bulldogs. In cheer stunts, she most often serves as a base, a role that demands consistency and awareness while helping create the routines fans see at games and competitions. Her work contributed to one of the biggest highlights of her young athletic career when Altus earned second place in 5A GameDay State competition.

“It has taken a lot of hard work and discipline,” Emerson said of finding success in her sports.

That mindset also carries over to tennis, where Emerson enjoys the challenge of improving through competition. Rather than being focused on one particular opponent, she measures success by the progress she makes in becoming the best version of herself. In practice, one of her favorite matchups comes against friend and teammate Hannah Silva.

“In tennis I like playing against my friend Hannah Silva because she stays positive the whole time, makes me better and makes the match fun,” Emerson said.

That positive environment is one of the qualities Emerson values most about her teams. Asked who might be the least appreciated player, she pointed instead to the strength of the bond among her teammates.

“I feel like the girlhood is so strong that everyone is appreciated,” she said.

Emerson’s support system extends beyond athletics. Her mother and friends are among her biggest influences because their opinions matter most to her. She also remains grateful for Miss Herring, her second-grade teacher, who has continued to support and encourage Emerson long after she left her classroom.

Away from competition, Emerson is involved in the National Honor Society and Kay Klub. Managing school, practices, events and activities is a challenge she is still learning to navigate, but she recognizes the value of staying disciplined and taking each responsibility seriously.

For Emerson, wearing Altus across her uniform comes with both pride and responsibility. She remembers being a young girl watching cheerleaders on the sideline and looking up to them. Now in that same role, she wants to provide an example for the next generation of Bulldogs.

“I want to make sure that I can be that for them,” Emerson said.

Whether she is building a stunt in cheer, competing on the tennis court or serving her school through campus organizations, Emerson continues working toward her goal of becoming the best version of herself.