By Derrick Smith

Darci Edmondson picked up her first pom pom when she was four years old and so began her cheerleading career. As she became a little bit older, she was asked to join a team at her gym. It was then that she began to understand the importance of money. 

“When I started tumbling, I was asked to compete with the team at my gym,” she said. “I told them that I would ask my mom. When I went over to my mom, my selling point was the words ‘all you have to do is write a check’, not understanding how money worked at the time. But I am glad that my mom supported me wanting to cheer.”

A senior at Miami High School, Edmondson is a four-sport athlete. She is in cheer, basketball, powerlifting, and soccer. 

“I have cheered since I was very young,” she said. “I started basketball in seventh grade, powerlifting started when I was freshman, and I played soccer some when I was growing up but really started when I was a freshman.”

Miami cheer coach, Lindsey Bearden, says that Darci is a great kid and a great example for the younger kids. 

“You name it, Darci can do it,” she said. “She excels at any position or task she is given. She is dependable and also a great leader. She also plays basketball, soccer, and power lifts. She currently has two state championship powerlifting rings. I am so proud of her leadership abilities and constant positive attitude.”

With academics, athletics, and life, Edmondson has a lot on her plate. But she says that there is one thing that she sees as a goal in her life.

“One of the biggest tasks I focus on in life is being the best role model that I can possibly be,” she said. “I think it is both important and rewarding to inspire people. I try to inspire others by focusing on my personality and who I am as a person.”

Along with all of her sports, Darci is also a member of the Key Club, student council, Interact Club, National Honor Society, and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.