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Andalusia High School senior Omarion Sneed developed a love for cheering, and it ultimately led him to sign with Troy University on a cheerleading scholarship Thursday, May 19.

“I am so beyond grateful for this amazing opportunity. I have always wanted to cheer, inspire, and break down barriers for the next generation. For a long period of time, everyone didn’t think I was capable to. My All-Star coaches Katie Poole and Kirby Sewell were my motivation. I pushed myself, and they pushed me to be the best me I could be to fulfill this vision of mine. I am so excited to get started with this new chapter of my life,” Sneed said. “Cheerleading has had a huge impact on my life.”

Former Andalusia Cheer Coach Candace Smith praised Sneed for his contributions to the school’s cheerleading squad.

“Omarion and his spirit are like no other. His love for cheer and his peers is outstanding. When he says something he wants, he goes after it with every ounce of courage and him. When someone’s love for the sports shows through so tremendously like his, it makes them such a joy to coach.”

His senior year was his first year of cheer, but he quickly developed a passion for it, which led him to this opportunity at Troy.

“I love it so much because I can be myself and do what I absolutely love. I chose Troy because it reminds me so much of my alma mater and the school spirit they have. I can’t wait to cheer on the Trojans. I look forward to representing the school and to learn new things, which I’m so excited about.”

Although he is excited about the next level, Sneed said he would forever treasure his memories of Andalusia.

“Some things I will miss the most are pep rallies and cheering on those Andy Bulldogs and playing my trumpet during halftime. I’ve learned a lot from my coaches and fellow cheerleaders. We become a family and put so much hard work and sometimes blood into this sport. One of the biggest moments of my high school career was when I tried out for cheer and left my mark at Andalusia High School forever. It made a huge impact on so many people’s lives.”

He added that cheerleading was his outlet to get away from the outside world. “I use practice as a stress reliever to whatever I’m upset or stressed out about. I go super hard into my body until I can’t anymore. That’s what I love the most about cheer.”

Becoming a cheerleader means also becoming an inspiration to the younger generation. “Once you get that role, you are a role model to so many people. You should always be the best you can be. You are the face of that school no matter if your uniform is on or off,” he said.

Sneed said all of the support he receives means a lot to him.

“I could not do this without the support of my coaches and fellow teammates as well as my peers and family. Katie Poole has been one of the biggest influences in my life. She believed in me and never gave up on me. I wouldn’t be the person I am today without her. She has helped me shape myself to be such an amazing human.”

He is the son of Phyllis Blackmon and Evan Sneed and graduated from Andalusia High School on Friday, May 20, 2022.

“I would like to thank everyone who has been so supportive and believed in me. To all the young boys who want to cheer, you can do it and never dim your light for anyone,” Sneed said.