For Chickasha senior Samantha Rambo, cheerleading has been more than a sport, it has been a journey of teamwork, dedication, and pride in representing her school and community. As a main base on the Chickasha Chicks cheer team, Rambo plays a vital role in the success of her squad, both on the sidelines and in competition.
Friday night lights are her biggest motivation. “The excitement of Friday nights is what pushes me the most,” Samantha said. That energy, combined with the encouragement of those around her, has shaped her into the athlete and leader she is today. She credits her mom as her greatest supporter and role model, as well as Mrs. Tapp, a mentor who reminds her of her late grandmother. “Mrs. Tapp has always been there for me, just like my granny was,” Samantha shared. She also points to teacher Miranda Molder, who has had a lasting impact on her life by always encouraging her to push through challenges.
For Samantha, cheerleading success comes down to hard work and teamwork. Countless hours of practice, the support of her teammates, and the opportunity to help others improve have all played a role in her growth. One of her favorite memories was traveling with her team to nationals in Las Vegas, an experience she never thought she would have when she first joined cheer.
She’s also quick to highlight her teammates. She enjoys working most with Lakiria, whose sense of humor and encouragement always keep the team’s spirits high, even when stunts don’t go as planned. She also recognizes McKenna as one of the least appreciated athletes, believing she has the potential to shine if given more opportunities.
Outside of cheer, Samantha is equally dedicated. She has been a member of the National Honor Society since eighth grade, takes college courses online, and works part-time, all while keeping up with school and cheer. She also enjoys following Charlie Kirk on social media, particularly for his debates with college students.
Above all, Samantha takes pride in representing Chickasha. “To me, it means having a sense of pride and getting the community excited and proud to be from Chickasha,” she said.
