Britney West was at cheer camp when she found out she was selected to the first U.S. Army All- American cheer team.
“I was excited and shocked, because only seven people from the entire camp got the award,” the Carl Albert High School senior said. “I feel honored to have been selected as All-American to represent my squad and Carl Albert High School.”

West was in the sixth grade when she found her calling. A friend from gymnastics suggested she try out for the team. Since her first cheer camp that year, she has received all-star at every camp she has attended. Two years ago, her team won a performance regional championship. Last year, they started a STUNT team and won five of their eight games.

“I have had great leadership and always try to follow their example in leading others,” West said.
“I pray that I inspire cheerleaders and other students to work hard and do their best and setting the right examples for others to live by no matter what obstacles they may have to overcome.” West considers herself a leader, thanks in part to her parents’ and coaches’ examples. “Britney is an incredible leader and the team would not be the same without her leadership,” Carl Albert head coach Kathy Gentry said.

“My goal as a leader is to continue to grow and learn new ways to motivate others to always do the right things,” West said. “I hope my attitude opens many opportunities and inspires others to do whatever it takes to achieve their goals. As a leader, I want to serve others and always be willing to do the same things I would ask of someone else.”

West is excited to be a senior and captain of her team this year. “Success to me this year would be to experience new things, meet new friends, watch more sunsets, maintain a high grade point average and, through a team effort, lead our cheer team to be the best we can be,” West said.