Ellie Marquardt of Ravenwood High School is TN Cheerleader of the Year

Ellie Marquardt of Ravenwood High School was recently honored as the Tennessee Cheerleader of the Year at the TSSAA State Cheerleading Championships held on November 15th at MTSY’s Murphy Center.

Stephanie Dykes, Ravenwood Cheerleading Coach, says”Ellie is the first cheerleader to make the All-State squad, so I was really excited when she earned the position. My excitement was uncontainable when I heard her name announced as the Cheerleader of the Year! She is a great representative for the Ravenwood squad as well as the school. She has definitely put Ravenwood on the map!”    When asked how proud are you of Ellie?  Dykes says,  “Ellie took a risk to tryout for the All-State Cheerleading squad. Although it was a challenging and tedious process, it does not surprise me that she successfully made the squad because she is not only a very talented cheerleader, but she is also a well-rounded intelligent leader, scholar, and community volunteer. I am extremely proud of Ellie.”

Ellie Skill“There are so many extremely talented and accomplished Cheerleaders in Tennessee, so I am very honored to be named the 2014-2015 Tennessee Cheerleader of the Year.   I am especially excited to be able to represent Ravenwood at this elite level.   Also, since Cheer has been one of my main activities since fifth grade, being recognized as the Cheerleader of the Year for the entire state, is really, really special to me.” says Ellie Marquardt. “When my name was announced, I was so shocked that I had to take a second to catch my breath.    Everyone on the Tennessee All-State team is so talented that I was thrilled to be selected as the Cheerleader of the Year.  Since I usually cheer for others, it was fun to hear the crowd cheer for me.”

The Tennessee Cheerleading Coaches Association (TCCA) announced the 2014-2015 Tennessee All-State Cheerleading Squad earlier in the season. Cheerleading coaches from across the state were asked to nominate senior cheerleaders who best exemplify superiority in the classroom, the community and on the field or court. From these nominations and an application process, some were chosen to advance to an interview and formal tryout held on August 23rd in Murfreesboro. Marquardt was among 20 cheerleaders chosen.

Marquardt earned the title of Cheerleader of the Year by earning the top score when all categories were combined. Marquardt will receive a $500 scholarship from TCCA as a metal, plaque, and leather jacket. Marquardt will be cheering with the All-State Squad at the East-West game on December 12th at TTU in Cookeville, Tennessee.