Trion High School Cheerleaders named to Top 16 Georgia All-State Team

Only sixteen cheerleaders in the entire state of Georgia made the All-State Cheerleading team, and two are Trion High School Cheerleaders, Ansley Abernathy and Jalyn Smith.

Almost 200 girls across the state tried out for one of these elite positions. The competition was narrowed down to 30 girls to compete at Columbus for the final spots.

Abernathy and Smith had to showcase other skills besides cheerleading to make it to Columbus. They had to have a GPA of 3.5, be involved in many clubs, and volunteer in some way to benefit others. Both students also had to write an essay about how cheerleading has positively impacted their life and how they will be able to use that in the future.

Once they reached the top 30 at Columbus, they had an interview that weighted 25% of the outcome and they had to perform. Some of Trion’s Cheerleading team members traveled to Columbus to help with the stunt routine. Abernathy and Smith competed with team members and individually for the coveted spots on the Georgia All-State team.

Coach Pettyjohn with cheerleaders in Columbus.

“I am so proud of Ansley and Jalyn for making the 2023 All State Team! These girls have worked so hard and my heart is just bursting for them,” Assistant Cheer coach, Josie Pettyjohn said. “Also a huge shoutout to their stunt groups as well for putting in the work right along with them!”

“It was definitely an experience I will never forget. I was honored to make it to the top 30 to even get to go compete and interview Saturday so being called down as the top 16 and All-State team member was amazing,” Abernathy said. “It makes it even more enjoyable that Jalyn and I both made it. None of it would have been able to happen without the help and support of my coaches, Kelsey Ray, and my teammates that traveled down with me!”

“The process has been a lot of preparation and I am so grateful to be selected,” Smith said.

“In May, I nominated Ansley and Jalyn for the GCCA Cheerleader of the year. The first step after nominations are accepted is submitting an application detailing extracurricular activities, honors, and community service. The girls also had to submit an essay and letters of recommendation. The top 30 finalist are chosen based solely on applications. This alone is such an honor, and it was such a great feeling when two out of the thirty were from Trion! The All State Team, top 16, is determined based on a combination of the application, an interview, and a performance. The girls worked all summer creating the choreography and music for their routines. Other than the stunt portion, the routines are completely solo. The girls both had outstanding performances; they are such incredible athletes! We could not be more proud of Jalyn and Ansley for making the All State Team! They are both truly deserving of this honor, and we lucky to have them as a part of our cheer program,” Trion Head Cheer Coach Hayley Tanner said.