Although she has only been a cheerleader for two years, Central senior Ryleigh Pierce wanted to continue cheerleading in college. She made sure of that last week.

Pierce signed a cheerleading letter of intent with Carl Albert State College in a signing ceremony May 20 at Central High School.

“Cheerleading is the one thing I enjoy the most,” Pierce said. “It brings me the most joy.”

CASC cheer coach Tara Foos wanted Pierce, since she has shown improvement in two years as a cheerleader.

“I have watched her for the last two years at Central when she moved from Panama,” Foos said. “I could tell just how much she has improved and her dedication to it. That’s kind of what I’m looking for. She’s been working really hard on her tumbling. She’s learned some new skills, which is going to be a good asset to the team. I’m super excited to have her.”

Pierce said it is the inspiration her high school cheer coaches have given that also made cheerleading the choice to do in college.

“I would have to thank my (Central) coaches (Ashley) Baxter and Betty Ann (DeMaree),” Pierce said. “They have inspired me. They have really encouraged me to do more with what I’ve already done.”

“She is very coachable,” DeMaree said. “She has only been with us for two years as a cheerleader, but she’s done a great job. She will do great. I wish we could keep her for another year.” A couple other reasons for choosing CASC is Pierce has already been going to the junior college as a concurrent student as well as living in LeFlore County.

“I’m already going to Carl Albert as a concurrent student,” said Pierce, whose dad Victor is head fast-pitch softball coach and assistant girls basketball and slow-pitch softball coach. “I was given the opportunity to cheer there as well. I live right beside Poteau, so it will be a lot easier for me to be there. I’m very excited.”

Foods said Pierce will not have long to wait to begin doing things as a CASC cheerleader.

“We’re probably going to start in a couple of weeks, then we’ll do full practices twice a week in July,” Foos said. “Then, we’ll go to a camp at the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith on Aug. 2-3. I’m trying to get a full squad by then (the start of the camp). That way, they can practice together and get to know each other before we head to camp.”