Pryor’s Maygen Gilbo – Athlete of the Month Presented by Rhett Minson State Farm

By Derrick Smith

The key requirement to being successful at anything in life is to work hard and do what you have to do. Maygen Gilbo says the same goes for being a successful in cheer.

“You have to study hard, make good grades, train hard, and understand that the words ‘I can’t’ are not acceptable.”

Gilbo is a junior at Pryor High School, where she is a member of the varsity cheer squad. She serves as co-captain for football and captain for basketball.

She says that what she enjoys most about cheer is the relationships you grow. Gilbo also says that those who do not consider cheer a real sport do not see the hard work that goes into it.

“What I enjoy most about cheer are the bonds that you build,” she said. “What makes me keep loving it and drives me to be better everyday is to prove that one day cheer will be as popular a sport as any other. We work hard. We lift girls, sometimes the same size or bigger than us, catch full body weight coming out of the air all while never dropping the flier.”

Role models have played a big part of Maygen’s life, helping her become the person she is today.

“There are four people that stand out as role models for me,” she said. “My mom, Rachel Gilbo, is my best friend, works extremely hard, and drives me to be the best in all I do. My cheer coach, Mrs. Gwartney, expects nothing but our best. She drives us to be better every day. My youth pastor, Alex Herrin, and my pastor, Andy Pilant, help me with direction to live a Christ like life and to always always always pray for other for you never know what battles they could be facing.”

Other than cheer, Gilbo is also involved with Fellowship of Christian Athletes, choir, Impact Council, and National Honor Society. She also enjoys acting. She was cast as Wednesday Addams in the Pryor High School production of The Addams Family.