Six cheerleaders from Southeast Whitfield High School performed at the annual Peach Bowl held on January 9, 2026, at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium. This event featured a matchup between the No. 1-ranked Indiana Hoosiers and the No. 5-ranked Oregon Ducks. The cheerleaders participated as part of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes’ (FCA) All-American cheer team.
Head coach Kristy Gentry expressed her pride in the cheerleaders, stating, “They represented Southeast and Whitfield County very well.” The team included seniors Lidia Hernandez and Breonna Gibson, junior Susana Cruz, and sophomores Emily Hampton, Hailey Rivera, and Payton Teem. Gentry noted that the group was the largest representation from any school on the All-American team, a point highlighted by Marilou Braswell, head of the FCA.
Prior to the Peach Bowl, the cheerleaders attended a summer camp at Emmanuel University in Franklin Springs, where they auditioned for the All-American team. Gentry explained that the tryouts involved specific skill assessments, including jump height and technique. “All six of our girls made the All-American team,” she said, emphasizing the achievement.
The cheerleaders arrived in Atlanta on January 8, where they participated in a four-hour practice session with Braswell, who has a background coaching at the University of Georgia. During this practice, they learned cheers for both Indiana and Oregon and refined their routine from the summer camp.
The evening also included a semi-formal banquet where Braswell praised the cheerleaders for their hard work and discussed their futures. Notably, two spirit awards were presented to Southeast cheerleaders, with Teem recognized for her positivity and Hernandez for her energetic performance. Gentry remarked, “It was a very big honor, and I was very proud of them.”
On the day of the Peach Bowl, the cheerleaders helped kick off a fan fest at the Georgia World Congress Center. They engaged fans with cheers and ultimately showcased their routine on the field at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The cheerleaders also had the opportunity to attend the game, where they were featured on the stadium’s Jumbotron.
Reflecting on the experience, Gentry was impressed by the confidence and leadership displayed by all six cheerleaders. She noted how even the younger members stepped up, drawing in the crowd with their enthusiasm. “I’m so proud of all of them,” she said.
This year marked a significant moment for Southeast Whitfield, as it was the first time six cheerleaders participated in the All-American team. Previous representation occurred in 2022, but the team did not attend the subsequent year. Gentry hopes that the current junior, sophomore, and freshman cheerleaders will seize the chance to try out again in the future, potentially being the first from their school to earn a second selection to the All-American team.
Gentry praised the leadership qualities of Hernandez and Gibson, stating they were instrumental in guiding the team through the season’s challenges. Their experience and positivity have inspired younger cheerleaders, setting a precedent for hard work and dedication in future endeavors.
