Abby Willis, a 17-year-old senior at Cabell Midland High School, has been a proud resident of The Oaks at Merrick Creek for the past seven years. Her close-knit family includes her parents, Jessica and  Erick Willis, and her older brother, Evan, who is 19 years old. Together, they’ve built a home filled with support and encouragement, fueling Abby’s drive and dedication in both academics and athletics.

Abby has been a cheerleader since childhood and is currently part of Cabell Midland’s varsity, competition, and gameday teams. She also cheers competitively with Famous Superstars, performing on the Level 6 team, Gold.

Abby explains how she got started in cheer, “When I was younger, I tried a couple of different sports including soccer, dance, and gymnastics. I never really enjoyed any of them so my mom decided to put me in tumbling classes at Amp Athletics. Eventually, I joined one of their cheer teams and I have done it ever since.”

Her love for cheer extends beyond her skills and routines. "I enjoy the thrill and adrenaline I get when taking the stage, and I love the opportunities and friendships cheer has given me since I started," Abby told Stroll Barboursville. From the glittering uniforms to the mental and physical challenges, cheerleading has become a second home for her.

One of Abby’s proudest moments was winning the AAA Regionals Cheer Competition in 2022. Even more impressive, her competitive team placed 4th at The Cheerleading Worlds, the largest all-star cheer competition, last year—a milestone that ranks as one of her biggest achievements.

What sets Abby apart in the cheer world is her remarkable flexibility, which helps her excel at complex aerial stunts. “It’s always a challenge, but I love pushing myself to master new skills,” she said. Abby credits her coaches for shaping her as an athlete. “I admire my coaches for how much time and effort they put into what they do. They care about me and help me improve daily.”

Balancing school and cheer can be demanding, but Abby manages with discipline and careful planning. Her daily routine includes dedicated time for academics, practice, and relaxation. “I set realistic goals and prioritize my tasks based on importance and deadlines, even if that means sacrificing other activities,” she explained. Abby's ability to accomplish that balance is representative of her being able to maintain a stellar 4.3 GPA!

After graduation, Abby plans to attend Marshall University to major in nursing while continuing to cheer at the collegiate level. “Cheer has taught me so much—discipline, teamwork, and resilience. These lessons will stay with me as I pursue my dreams.”

Abby’s story is one of passion, determination, and the joy of a sport that has given her a lifetime of memories and friendships. Her journey is far from over, and our community eagerly supports her as she leaps into the next chapter of her life.