Senior back spot Kizzie Citty brings spirit to Harding cheer.
For senior Kizzie Citty, being a member of the cheerleading team was something that had always piqued her interest. Her family has strong ties to both Harding cheerleading and football, so it was something she had enjoyed participating in prior to her college career. In the beginning of her senior year in 2019, Citty decided to join the Harding cheerleading team.
Coach Kellee Blickenstaff said most women join the cheerleading team during their freshman or sophomore year, but it’s very rare for someone to join as a senior. Blickenstaff said she knew Citty was a talented cheerleader from seeing her cheer in junior high and high school.
“I’ve regretted not cheering since freshman year, and I have always wished I had, but I always ended up deciding not to try out,” Citty said. “This year it just worked out perfectly.”
For many women, the cheerleading team is a source of community — a community rooted in a sport each member is passionate about. Junior Rachel Frost, one of the cheerleading team’s captains, described the immense impact the team has had on her college experience.
“I love encouraging people and building others up, and I also love cheerleading,” Frost said. “And so, to me, there’s no better way to do that than combining those and cheering on the Bisons.”
Citty said she felt similarly, and when she was given the opportunity to join the team, she gave it a try. Her thoughts were very positive about the camaraderie of her new teammates.
“They’ve just completely welcomed me and included me,” Citty said.
She said joining as a senior created an interesting dynamic because it made her feel like one of the younger members, even though she was well acclimated to all other aspects of college. However, this has not stopped her from giving her best effort and enjoying the time she has had.
“Kizzie has been so fun to have on the team,” junior Carson Arnett said. “She is so quick to learn and pick up new skills, and she keeps a good attitude while doing it.”
Citty was pleased with her decision to join the team and felt it added to her college experience. She said she was thankful for the opportunity to participate in her final year.
“I have loved to cheer since I was little, so getting to do it one last time in college has been something I’ve really cherished,” Citty said.
