Senior Spotlight: Cheerleading

2026 Cheerleading Senior Spotlight

These five seniors have helped build the foundation of the Piedmont cheer program while leading the Lions to national success. During their time with the program, the Lions earned a third-place finish at NCA Nationals in 2023, followed by a fourth-place finish in 2024 and an impressive second-place finish in 2025. Through their leadership and dedication, they have helped establish Piedmont cheer as a growing presence on the national stage.

Anderson has been a member of the Piedmont competition cheer team for four years, joining the program during its inaugural season and helping establish the foundation for the team. She has been a consistent presence throughout her career while balancing success in the classroom. Anderson has earned Dean’s List honors and is a member of the National College Athlete Honors Society, in addition to receiving a Certificate of Honors Achievement for her academic and athletic accomplishments. Annabelle is pursuing a degree in Elementary Education and plans to begin teaching in the fall of 2026.

Carter has been part of the Piedmont competition cheer program since its inception and was selected by her teammates to serve as team captain during her senior season. She has played an important leadership role in the continued growth of the program over the past four years. Carter has earned President’s List honors three times and Dean’s List recognition four times, She is a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, where she has been named Female Athlete of the Year. She is also a member of the Health Science Association and Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, as well as the Tri-Alpha Honor Society and the National College Athlete Honor Society. Aleigha is pursuing a degree in Exercise and Sports Science and plans to attend medical school with the goal of becoming a neurosurgeon.

Highfill has been a member of the Piedmont competition cheer team for four years, helping build the program from its first season and serving as a captain during her senior year after being chosen by her teammates. She has also found success in the classroom, earning Dean’s List honors while being active on campus. Highfill is a member of the American Marketing Association and is currently completing a marketing internship with Grit Blueprint. Lilly is pursuing a degree in Business with concentrations in Marketing and Management and plans to graduate in May of 2027.

McKenzie has been part of the Piedmont competition cheer team since the program’s first season and has helped the team grow over the past four years. During her senior year, she served the program as Spirit Captain while continuing to be active across campus. McKenzie is a member of the American Marketing Association during her time at Piedmont. She is pursuing a degree in Business with a concentration in Marketing and plans to graduate in May of 2027 with aspirations of working in event planning.

Sanders has been a key member of the Piedmont competition cheer team since its inaugural season and has served the program as Spirit Captain three times during her career. She has played an important role in building the culture and energy of the team over the past four years. Sanders has earned Dean’s List honors and has been involved on campus with TEAM Piedmont, SAIL and MANE. Chelsey is pursuing a degree in Elementary Education and plans to remain at Piedmont for a fifth year to work toward her master’s degree while continuing to compete with the team.