During the last day of the annual National Cheerleading Association (NCA) summer camp in early June, Warrenton’s Jocelyn Potter had a specific goal in mind.

She wanted to hear her name called amongst the camp’s and country’s elite cheerleaders – once again.

That’s exactly what happened as Potter, who is getting ready to head into her senior year, was named a NCA All-American for a second straight summer.

“Getting All-American a second time was definitely one of my goals,” Potter said. “I wanted to prove to myself that I could earn the title two years in a row. I was excited and honored when my name was announced, and it made all the hard work worth it. I found out at the end of camp when they announced everyone who had earned the honor. To become an All-American, you must first be nominated by an NCA staff member. Then you try out by performing a cheer, jumps and tumbling skills. I was very excited when my name was called.”

In addition to Potter being named an All-American at the NCA summer camp at Lindenwood, the team finished second in the situational cheer category and earned a spirit stick.

Most importantly for Potter, the event further strengthened her bond with her teammates and the sports – cheer and stunt – that she loves so dearly.

“Cheer has helped me build strong friendships, grow as an athlete, and gain confidence,” Potter said. “Being on the stunt team has improved my technique, strengthened my skills and taught me the importance of teamwork and trust. They have helped shape me into the person I am today. They have taught me leadership, responsibility, teamwork and the importance of not taking opportunities for granted.”

While Potter has been able to reap the individual reward of earning All-American recognition, she said that everything she’s learned and every honor she’s received has been a team effort.

Sure, she’s had to perform the way she has but a strong support system has afforded her the freedom to go all out for herself, her team and her sport.

“In addition to cheer and stunt, dance has been a huge part of my life and has helped me become the athlete and leader I am today,” Potter said. “I am thankful for my coaches, teammates, dance teachers, family and everyone who has supported me throughout my journey. I look forward to making the most of my senior year and continuing to pursue my goals.”

Potter’s coach at Warrenton, Madison Kunkel, said that the honor is well-deserved because Potter has put everything she has into cheer and that’s been evident for a long time for both her coaches and teammates.

“In the short time I have coached Jocelyn, she has been a very hard worker,” Kunkel said. “During the cheer camp, she would always find time to practice the routines and jumps needed to compete for All-American. Jocelyn was very confident on the mat when trying out and never doubted herself. She is always putting her best foot forward and is continuing to shine. She has been a huge leader for our squad and an amazing role model to the other girls. Jocelyn is going to do amazing things this season and we are very proud of her for this accomplishment.”

With another year of high school ahead of her, Potter said she cannot help but look forward a little to her future.

It’s a future that will assuredly include the continuation of cheer, stunt and dance.

“I plan to continue cheering or participating in stunt at the college level while pursuing my education,” Potter said. “I plan to study nursing in college and hope to attend a school in Florida or South Carolina. I would love to continue cheer or stunt while working toward my nursing degree.”