Under the bright Friday night lights, Chandler junior Royanna Berry brings energy, precision, and pride to every cheer. “I just tell myself to leave it all out there and perform to the best of my ability,” she said. “You can’t expect greatness if you’re still holding on to any anxious feelings, so I’ve learned to stick on a smile and just feel free when I perform.”
Berry is a four-time UCA All-American, and her dedication to the Chandler cheer program runs deep. “As a junior, I’ve really tried to step up, not only on my positions in routines, but also as a leader on the team,” she said. “I’m a main base and this means a lot to me because I know my flyer and group count on me to be strong and focused every time we stunt.”
Her focus isn’t just on her own success, but on lifting up her teammates. “I try to bring a lot of positivity and energy to every practice, even when things get tough,” Berry said. “I like helping my teammates, keeping the mood up, and making sure everyone feels supported.”
That positive energy has helped shape a strong team culture. “I think morale’s been great,” Berry shared. “When you’re on a team, especially a very involved team sport, it’s so important to realize how the team works together. To have morale, you have to reflect on and embrace the differences of your team, and I feel like we’re doing a good job at that this year.”
Her personal goal this season is simple yet ambitious: “To attend state for any of our competitions this year. I feel like we have a great team and I’m so excited to work toward that goal with them.”
Beyond cheer, Berry stays busy in colorguard, FCCLA, Student Council, and Peer Mentors, and serves as a class representative. After graduation, she plans to attend UCO and major in forensic science.
When asked how she hopes to be remembered at Chandler, Berry didn’t hesitate: “Somebody who made my organization and school a better place, whether that be with my cheering or just my everyday actions.”
