News Summary
East Mississippi Community College announces the appointment of Sarah Thompson as the new head cheerleading coach. With a squad of 19 cheerleaders, including 12 incoming freshmen, the team is poised for an exciting season. Fans and the community are encouraged to support the squad as they prepare for the upcoming football season, while former coach Danielle McDade’s legacy continues to inspire.
Exciting Changes at East Mississippi Community College Cheerleading Squad!
In the vibrant heart of Scooba, Mississippi, East Mississippi Community College is buzzing with excitement as a new chapter unfolds for its cheerleading squad. With the 2025-26 academic year right around the corner, the college has officially announced the appointment of Sarah Thompson as the new head cheerleading coach. After stepping into this pivotal role following the retirement of former coach Danielle McDade, who will remain at EMCC as a psychology instructor, Thompson is ready to lead the squad into a thrilling season.
Meet the Cheerleaders
Under Thompson’s guidance, this year’s cheerleading squad consists of 19 talented members, blending both fresh faces and seasoned returnees. Among the squad are four returning members who will be bringing their experience and enthusiasm: *Tyler Carter*, *Armani Hunter*, *Huy Le*, and *Carlee Parker*. These cheerleaders will undoubtedly provide a strong foundation for the team.
New Additions to the Team
In addition to returning members, the squad welcomes some exciting new talent. Three first-year sophomores have joined the ranks, including *Erin Dawson*, a transfer from Alcorn State University, and two recent high school graduates, *Asia Price* from Starkville High School and *Skylar Erving* from Noxubee County High School. Their diverse backgrounds and fresh perspectives are sure to enrich the team’s dynamic.
A significant highlight of the 2025-26 squad is the addition of 12 incoming freshmen. These enthusiastic cheerleaders come from various local high schools, showcasing the strength of cheer programs in the area. Notably, a total of seven squad members hail from Starkville-area cheer programs, showcasing the local talent that EMCC continues to nurture.
From Starkville High School, cheerleaders *Camille Morgan* and *Zoie Williams* bring energy and spirit, while *Hannah Cain* and *Cora Beth Robertson* bring their skills from Starkville Academy. Other incoming freshmen include *Josh Kelley* and *Marly McMillan*, who were former teammates at Winston Academy, *Semya Brewster* from Northeast Lauderdale High School, *Shaniya Finley* from Quitman High School, *Xylan Cox* from Mendenhall, *Kyla Smith* from Brookhaven, and *Ty’Lecia Lemon* from Grenada. This impressive roster ensures a wealth of talent and enthusiasm heading into the season.
Team Spirit and Preparations
As this exciting new era begins, Thompson has expressed eagerness about what lies ahead. The squad has already begun preparations, diving into practice routines as they gear up for an exhilarating football season. With the team comprised of individuals from various backgrounds and cheer programs, the mix of experiences is expected to foster a collaborative spirit and innovative choreography.
This year promises a lot of excitement and growth for the EMCC cheerleading squad. The energy of the returning members, combined with the fresh talents joining the team, creates a perfect recipe for success. As the team lines up for another spirited year, they encourage fans and the community to rally behind them, creating an electrifying atmosphere during games and events.
Saying Goodbye and Hello
As coach Thompson steps in, it’s bittersweet to see former coach Danielle McDade retire, but her legacy at East Mississippi Community College will undoubtedly continue to inspire the cheerleaders and coaches alike. With McDade remaining as an instructor, she’ll still be around to support and guide the community, ensuring that her great influence on the team persists.
With the cheerleading squad ramping up their preparations, there’s no doubt that this season will be one for the books! With fresh faces and a passionate coach at the helm, EMCC cheerleaders are fully prepped to cheer on their athletes, bringing out the school spirit, and making their mark in the upcoming football season!
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Additional Resources
- Meridian Star: EMCC Announces 2025-26 Cheerleading Team
- Picayune Item: EMCC Announces 2022-23 Cheerleading Team
- Red Hills MS News: Sarah Thompson Named EMCC’s New Head Cheerleading Coach
- C Dispatch: Four Yellow Jackets Set to Cheer at the Next Level
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Cheerleading
Author: STAFF HERE STARKVILLE WRITER
The STARKVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREstarkville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Starkville, Oktibbeha County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Cotton District Arts Festival, Bulldog Bash, and Mississippi State University homecoming celebrations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Starkville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Mississippi State University Extension Service, plus leading businesses in education and agriculture that power the local economy such as Mississippi State University and Starkville Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Mississippi's dynamic landscape.
