Olivia Shirek of the cheerleading team was selected as the Diamond in the Rough for the month of December, sponsored by Nettles Fine Jewelry.
“Having never cheered before, Olivia stepped out of her comfort zone and tried out for the squad last year during the 2011-2012 season," said co-head coach Kristen Villacci. "Immediately, we saw Olivia not only had talent, but that she had an unexpected calming and nurturing effect on her teammates. Olivia's skills grew exponentially during her first season as a junior, and we began to see her more and more as a leader on the team.
Going into her senior year, during the 2012-2013 season, the decision was easy to make Olivia a captain. What she may lack in cheerleading experience, she makes up for in her devotion to the team, willingness to try new things, her undying optimism, and her ability to be the epitome of a role model student-athlete to the rest of the squad.
We couldn't imagine the team without Olivia and, while it will be bittersweet to watch her graduate this spring, we know that she will accomplish amazing things.”
