Stone Memorial Lady Panthers cheerleader Lauren Bray is embracing a new challenge this season: Leading from the front.
Now in her second year with the program, Bray has been named cheer captain, stepping into the role at a pivotal time for the Lady Panthers. With several freshmen elevated to the varsity squad, Bray stands as one of the lone upperclassmen on an 11-member team navigating both youth and opportunity.
Bray said the leadership role is about more than titles, but rather about connection.
“I just really like the teamwork that we’re in, the atmosphere, just everything involving cheer is just so good,” Bray said. “And then going to camp with the high school team and our middle school team, it was just so fun getting to know our middle school team on a deeper level.”
Bray continues to build off a strong first full season at Stone Memorial, where she was named a recipient of the Pin-It Forward Award, an honor recognizing leadership and encouragement within the program. The recognition helped solidify her role as someone her teammates can rely on, both on and off the mat.
Beyond the hardware, Bray said the team is gaining something even more valuable.
“We [are learning] so many things about our girls and how they are cheering,” Bray said. “We [are learning] a bunch of new stunts and we got good with team bonding.”
Bray said with a young roster, building trust has been her top priority. In a sport where athletes depend on one another for safety as much as success, Bray said chemistry is not optional, it is essential.
“It’s really important to build trust with the girls, to get your stunt group comfortable with each other, to have your top girl trust the girls underneath them,” Bray said. “When they’re falling, you trust them to catch them.”
As one of the few returning leaders, Bray said she understands the responsibility that comes with guiding a youthful squad. But Bray said she is focused less on pressure and more on presence, making sure her teammates feel supported and confident.