Afton’s Clarrisa Rice – Athlete Spotlight Presented by Jim Rexwinkle State Farm Miami

By Ember McElrath

Senior Clarrisa Rice is an extremely busy high school student. She was voted the caption of her cheerleading squad by her fellow members, she also plays basketball, softball, cross country, runs track, and is involved in girls powerlifting. She doesn’t stop with just sports, she is an active member of her school’s FCCLA, Student Council, and she is the President of Afton High School’s Interact Club. 

This will be Clarrisa’s seventh year in cheerleading, and she has loved so many of those moments. She has always looked up to different cheerleaders.

“When I was little, I always admired cheerleaders, whether they were college, NFL, or even high school cheerleaders. I knew that was something I wanted to do,” Clarrissa said. 

One of her favorite parts of the sport is how outgoing she gets to be.

“I love spirit!” Said Clarrisa. Clarrisa also enjoys the feeling of accomplishment she would get after her time in competitive cheer.

What keeps Clarrisa motivated with her busy schedule would have to be her team and coaches.

“We are all a family. Looking back from where I started and seeing how far I have come is also a huge motivator that keeps me going,” said Clarrisa. 

Cheerleading has taught her many things over the years. One important lesson she has learned is that, “hard work pays off.” Clarrisa is a believer in practice, “practice makes perfect and the amount of effort that you put into something shapes the outcome, this applies to not only cheer motions, jumps, and performances, but in the real world as well,” said Clarrisa. 

When Clarrisa gets a little free time, which doesn’t come too often with a schedule like hers, but when she does she enjoys spending time with her friends and family, playing the piano, and being at the gym.