When Sage Heldermon moved to Alex, Okla., there wasn’t a cheer team for her to join. “Growing up, I loved going to those mini cheer clinics the high schoolers would put on,” Heldermon said. “It wasn’t until my eighth grade year did [Alex] bring cheer back. So, my freshman year, I decided to try out.” Heldermon had tried all of the sports she could get her hands on: cross country, softball, basketball and track, to name a few. But she couldn’t quite nail down what it was she wanted to do, if anything. “Finally, when I made the cheer team, I knew that I had found something or me to look forward to,’ Heldermon said.

Some aspects of the new sport were easy; some weren’t, but she knew she was in the right place. “The school spirit came natural, but I was timid at first and felt awkward, but I quickly became comfortable. My coach says I was natural and made to be in front of a crowd,” Heldermon said. “I love how supportive my coach was of me. The girls on the team have always been uplifting and encouraging. They will stay after practice to help you if you were struggling on a cheer. Cheer has always made me feel like I was actually a part of a team and I was wanted there.

Being an upperclassman now, I have tried to create that same safe and fun environment for the underclass. I wanted them to always feel like they are important and are wanted on the team.” Now a senior, Heldermon is both the athlete and leader she always aspired to be. She calls her style “collaborative.” She values the opinions of her teammates and enjoys working in groups. Heldermon serves as Alex’ FFA chapter president and shows pigs and raises Corgi puppies.

She is also senior class president and serves on the Alex Founders Day committee. She works at FNBT in Alex. And she’s highly involved at Alex Methodist Church.
“My parents have always been super supportive of me in everything I do. Living in a small town leads to having more opportunities,” Heldermon said. “I’d say something that motivates me is I always want to continue to get better. . . I want to always push myself out of my comfort zone and grow in every aspect that I can.” After high school, Heldermon plans to take her basic classes at SWOSU, then apply for its
radiology technology program to obtain training as an X-Ray technician and an associates degree in radiology.