By Shannon Wright
While basketball usually takes center stage in Doyline, there’s another group of often overlooked athletes putting in hard work behind the scenes. The Doyline High School cheerleaders just wrapped up their 2025/2026 UCA cheer camp, and once again, they’ve made their small town proud.
Coaches Whitney Vollmer and Kelsey Morris, who have led the program for six years now, took 11 varsity cheerleaders, including one senior, to the four-day Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA) Camp at Louisiana Tech University. Each day, the girls pushed themselves physically and mentally, walking nearly five miles in one day alone, while perfecting cheers, chants, dances, stunts, and band chant performances.
“This camp requires tremendous dedication, hard work and commitment,” said Vollmer. “Watching my girls grow at UCA cheer camp is one of the greatest joys of coaching. They learn confidence, teamwork and leadership. They leave better athletes and better teammates.”
Their hard work paid off. The Doyline varsity cheer squad brought home the 2nd place trophy for their cheer performance. Even more exciting, Lanie Gates was selected as an All-American Cheerleader, and Ashlynn Whatley received the Pin It Forward Award, which recognizes leadership, kindness, and spirit at camp.
Morris added, “Each year, I’m blown away by how much these girls grow. Watching their confidence blossom as they master new stunts and routines is so rewarding. Their teamwork is inspiring.”
Most of the cheerleaders also balance other sports such as softball, volleyball, and basketball. They manage to maintain academic responsibilities, multiple sports and their cheerleading responsibilities. Their ability to juggle so many commitments is a true testament to their determination and school pride.
Meanwhile, the Junior Varsity (JV) cheerleaders have also been hard at work, attending a home camp led by the beloved Mary Clophus. Over three days, they learned new chants, cheers, stunts, and a full routine that they performed for friends and family on the final day.
“The coaches and cheerleaders are Cheertastically amazing,” Clophus said with excitement.
“There’s something really special about watching my JV cheerleaders grow through our at-home cheer camp,” said Vollmer. “Even without leaving home, they rise to every challenge and grow stronger as a team.”
Morris echoed that sentiment: “At-home camp gives our JV girls the opportunity to thrive in a comfortable setting. It builds confidence and helps create lasting bonds.”
None of this would be possible without the support from the community. From parents and guardians to local businesses and the people who show up and fill the gym on game nights, the Village of Doyline continues to stand behind these athletes year after year.
Though it may be a small Class B school, with limited equipment and facilities, Doyline’s students have no shortage of spirit. The pride these cheerleaders carry for their school, their teams, and their hometown shines bright.
Their presence on the sidelines isn’t just noise. It’s heart, dedication, and Panther pride.
