News Summary
East Mississippi Community College has revealed its cheerleading team for the upcoming academic year, led by new head coach Sarah Thompson. The squad includes four returning cheerleaders, three first-year sophomores, and twelve incoming freshmen, showcasing a mix of experience and local talent from the Starkville area. Coach Thompson, who took over after the previous coach’s retirement, is enthusiastic about the team’s potential as they prepare for the football season and aim to boost school spirit within the community.
East Mississippi Community College, Scooba – East Mississippi Community College (EMCC) has officially announced its cheerleading team for the 2025-26 academic year, under the leadership of newly appointed head coach Sarah Thompson. The team will feature a total of 19 members, comprised of four returning cheerleaders, three first-year sophomores, and twelve incoming freshmen. The announcement was made on August 11, 2025.
This season’s roster includes a mix of experienced and new talent. The four returning members of the team are Tyler Carter, Armani Hunter, Huy Le, and Carlee Parker. They will bring invaluable experience to the squad as they prepare for the upcoming football season.
Joining the returning members are three first-year sophomore cheerleaders: Erin Dawson, who transfers from Alcorn State University; Asia Price, a graduate of Starkville High School; and Skylar Erving, a graduate from Noxubee County High School. The team is notably bolstered by local talent, with seven of the 19 cheerleaders coming from Starkville-area prep cheer programs.
This year’s incoming freshmen include several cheerleaders from Starkville High School, specifically Camille Morgan and Zoie Williams. Additionally, two students from Starkville Academy, Hannah Cain and Cora Beth Robertson, will contribute to the squad. The remaining freshmen include Josh Kelley and Marly McMillan, former teammates from Winston Academy; as well as Semya Brewster from Northeast Lauderdale High School; Shaniya Finley from Quitman High School; Xylan Cox from Mendenhall High School; Kyla Smith from Brookhaven; and Ty’Lecia Lemon from Grenada. This diverse roster showcases the strong support for cheerleading programs in the area.
Coach Thompson, who previously held coaching positions at Mississippi junior colleges and at the NCAA level, expressed her enthusiasm for the upcoming season and the unique backgrounds of the cheer team members. She took over the role of head coach in late July 2025, following the retirement of previous coach Danielle McDade. McDade is transitioning to focus on her new role as a psychology instructor at EMCC.
The cheer team is currently preparing for the upcoming football season, establishing routines, and building team camaraderie as they aim to support their school and energize the crowds. The combination of seasoned cheerleaders and fresh talent promises a dynamic and spirited performance in the 2025-26 academic year.
This announcement comes at a time when EMCC is fostering local talent and emphasizing the importance of teamwork and school spirit through its cheerleading program. As the team gears up for its debut, the community is looking forward to seeing how this fresh roster under new leadership will come together to represent East Mississippi Community College.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Da’Marion Bothwell’s Resilience Shines at Mississippi State
Changes in East Mississippi Community College Cheerleading Squad
Additional Resources
- Meridian Star: EMCC Announces 2025-26 Cheerleading Team
- Wikipedia: Cheerleading
- Picayune Item: EMCC Announces 2022-23 Cheerleading Team
- Google Search: East Mississippi Community College cheerleading
- C Dispatch: Four Yellow Jackets Set to Cheer
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Cheerleading
- Meridian Star: Sarah Thompson Named EMCC’s New Head Cheerleading Coach
- Google News: East Mississippi Community College
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.
