Nine years ago, Warrenton senior Michayla Simmons began her cheerleading journey. A few years later, she joined a competition team, and now, her stunt career is taking off at Warrenton’s brand-new stunt program. 

Despite starting her career at a young age, Simmons had always envisioned herself taking her career to the next level. 

On Feb. 27, that vision became a reality for Simmons as she signed her official letter of intent to cheer at Missouri Valley College. 

“I wanted to do it for the younger me who started the sport and loved it that much,” Simmons said. “I decided to choose Missouri Valley because I like how close it is to home, and they offer a really good team that has everything I want, like stunt, competition and sideline, so I would be able to do it all there.” 

Simmons plans to focus primarily on competing in stunt and competition cheer. 

“I’m a little iffy on game day, but no matter what, I still get to cheer a few games and get all three aspects of it,” Simmons said. 

While sideline cheer will likely not be her primary focus in college, Simmons is excited to continue supporting a few Warrenton athletes who will also continue their football careers at Missouri Valley.  

“It’s going to be so cool to have a good chunk of my graduating class there, so I’ll still know people but also be in a new environment,” Simmons said. “Knowing how the past few seasons have been for football, it’s really cool to go and be able to still cheer them on after high school.” 

Simmons' excitement goes further than her athletic career. She plans to major in Missouri Valley’s newly established ultrasound program with aspirations to enter the medical field, particularly in radiology.

“I’m excited about being in a new environment and with an uplifting team because they are super positive,” she said. “I’m also excited because they actually just started their ultrasound program, so I’ll be in a fresh and new major there and I’ll see how it goes.” 

Simmons has set ambitious goals for herself, including competing on Missouri Valley’s UCA (Universal Cheerleaders Association) team and winning a UCA title. 

“I hope to continue to advance my skills and better myself and help my team be better,” she said. “Whether it’s winning championships for NAIA or UCA or winning games that are harder games in stunt, I want to feel those accomplishments as a team.”