For Abby Crutchfield, cheer has always been more than just chants and stunts—it’s about the people beside her. “Everyone has been supportive of each other, and we’ve built a bond that makes us feel more like family than just teammates,” she said about this year’s team morale.
That unity has been a defining strength for Valliant cheer. “Our unity. We always have each other’s backs,” Crutchfield explained. It’s the type of connection that shows both during competitions and on the sidelines, giving the Bulldogs a spark that goes beyond the routines.
As one of the senior captains, she takes pride in helping set that tone. “As one of the cheer captains, I bring leadership, encouragement, and steady energy my teammates can count on,” she said. Personal goals play a big role in how she approaches each season. “To keep improving, be a strong leader, and always bring energy to the sidelines.”
Preparation has been key to building consistency. “We condition quite a bit, we’re required to attend summer workouts to keep us in shape, and we run before every practice,” Crutchfield said. That work has carried into confidence. “We trust ourselves and each other more now.”
Game nights bring another level of responsibility. “I remind myself I’m representing my school, and my team. I try to stay positive and energetic remembering many ‘littles’ are looking up to me… specifically the Hankins little girls!” she shared.
When competitions arrive, all those hours pay off. “There are hours of work behind the smiles, the grind makes game nights possible. We practice almost every night during competition season for about three to four hours getting prepared!” Crutchfield said. That grind led to one of her favorite memories. “Last year at state was the best! We killed it and made history as the first Valliant cheer team to reach finals. I cried when they announced us!”
As her senior year unfolds, she’s focused on leaving her mark. “I want to be remembered as the cheerleader who always had a smile on her face, a good role model for the kids, and always gave it her all!”
Abby hopes to bring her talents back to the school that gave her so much: “After high school, I will attend Oklahoma Baptist University for elementary education and hopefully come back to Valliant to teach and one day be the cheer coach!”
