ADA COUGARS CHEER

COACH: Karry Griese

OUTLOOK

Under the direction of head coach Karry Griese, the Ada Cougars cheer squad continues to set the standard for spirit, teamwork, and excellence. With a strong mix of leadership, talent, and enthusiasm, coach Griese says this year’s group is ready to represent Ada with pride both on and off the sidelines. “This group has such a great work ethic,” said Griese. 

Leading the way for the Cougars is senior captain Lilli Keefer, a standout athlete who embodies what Ada cheer is all about. “Lilli Keefer is a senior captain on the 2025-2026 AHS Cheer Squad,” said Griese. “She has been a varsity cheerleader since her freshman year. Before she started her cheer career, she did competitive gymnastics. She also is a force to be reckoned with in track, placing second at state in 5A High Jump this past year. She is a natural born leader who takes practices and workouts seriously, and it shows. As a cheerleader she is the entire package: she can tumble, jump and stunt with the best of them. She will make an awesome coach one day.”

While Keefer sets the tone with leadership and experience, sophomore Anna Beth Muse is already turning heads as one of the brightest young stars in the program. “Anna Beth already is a star!” said Griese. “She shines bright wherever she goes. At cheer camp this year, she won two of the four awards given out of over 400 cheerleaders! She won for best jump — she also earned this award last year — and she won for best dance. She is an awesome base, just a great all-around cheerleader.”

The Cougars’ spirit and success also come from their character-driven approach, highlighted by junior Heidi Clay, who represents the heart of the team. Heidi is one of those athletes who brings positivity and dependability to everything she does. 

With a veteran leader in Keefer, a rising star in Muse, and role models like Clay anchoring the program’s culture, coach Griese is confident that this year’s Ada cheer squad will continue to raise the bar. This team has the talent, drive, and heart to make Ada proud.