The spirit of Ada cheerleading is fueled by determination, and senior Lilli Keefer embodies that drive. “The team’s biggest strength right now is definitely our attitudes,” Keefer said. “Being able to keep great attitudes when a practice doesn’t go the way we want it to and always giving 100%.”

That mindset has shaped a season where Ada’s cheer squad has thrived on positivity and energy. “The team morale has been great this year,” Keefer said. “Everybody is always super pumped up and excited!”

As one of the team’s veterans, Keefer has witnessed firsthand the progress her group has made. “The biggest improvement I’ve seen so far is our leadership and teamwork, being able to have a good and effective practice,” she explained. “Some of our goals are to get more girls tumbling and to improve our stunts and leave our mark!”

On a personal level, Keefer has her sights set high for her final season. “My personal goals heading into this season are to win state and just make it the best last year ever!” she said. Those goals are supported by a relentless work ethic. “When learning a challenging routine, I focus on the counts and the words, the better you learn those the easier it is!” she said. “By having a good attitude and getting hyped up for it!”

Leadership is another part of Keefer’s cheer journey. “I definitely think I play a leadership role on the team,” she said. “My mindset when I step onto the field to cheer is always keep a positive attitude and to have fun. If your mindset is bad going into it then you won’t do good or have a good time, so I do my best to keep a positive mindset!”

Keefer also takes pride in what her team represents. “I want younger cheerleaders to feel like they can step up, being confident, and chase their goals because of the example I set,” she said. “How hard we work and all the effort we put into this team, and we aren’t just a bunch of pretty girls in a skirt, we have worked tirelessly to get this team to where it is today!!”

Looking back, one moment stands out the most. “My favorite memory is from sophomore year when the lights went out at an away game at Durant, it was such a great bonding experience for the team and so much fun!”

Lilli is ambitious regarding her future: “My plans after high school are to go D1 in either track or cheer, or potentially both!”

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