Albertville Cheer: 7A State Champions

This article first appeared in The Sand Mountain Reporter. 

Albertville Aggie Cheer is turning heads and making history!

The Aggies Cheer team competed on Monday, Nov. 10 at the AHSAA State finals in Birmingham and came home the 7A State Champions.

The team is under the direction of Tanika Colvin and Jeromy Shaw, who are taking the team to new heights.

Colvin, a 2012 alumni of Boaz High School, competed with the Pirates for 4 years. She then went on to Snead State Community College to cheer under Adam Rhoden, finally cheering at the University of West Alabama.

“After graduating I went to Columbus State University as a Graduate Assistant Athletic Trainer. After rising through the ranks there I spent 8 years and became the Assistant Athletic Director for sport medicine and Senior Woman Administrator,” Colvin said. “I was presented the incredible opportunity to move home back in April to begin working as the spirit coordinator with one of my dearest friends and making an impact in my very own community. After many prayers and talks with my husband we decided that this was a move and position that only God could orchestrate.”

She said they began working with the girls immediately in May getting them prepared for this upcoming season in all aspects, football and competition. 

“Back in the summer, Jeromy (Shaw) was brainstorming and came up with our theme of “Fear the hydrant,” first because we are the fire hydrant capital of the world, but also because there will not ever be another school that can use a hydrant as a secondary mascot. We needed something that would set us apart from the start, and Jeromy’s vision with the hydrant was just that! Many things went into the preparation of the competition. Most importantly is our athlete’s dedication and time that they devoted to the process. They have trusted our coaching and rolled with every change/ coaching point to ensure they met the standard that we set for them,” she said. “Jeromy and I have both said since day one that we would put our girls and routine up against anyone in the nation and we will get the opportunity to do just that at Nationals at the end of January. I am excited for the future of Albertville Cheerleading. Their heart, dedication, and love for one another is unmatched. This season has been a joy of my life to see these girls be so successful and be rewarded for their heart, dedication, and time!”

Jeromy Shaw, head coach at Albertville High School is also a special education teacher. 

“It has been a lot to balance a new school, a new job, and a whole new team, but having a great support system and coaching staff has made this transition smooth. I moved from Tuscaloosa County High School, where we won the 7A state championship last year and a national championship,” Shaw said. “Personally, I felt a lot of pressure coming into this role because there were high expectations to produce an award-winning program. There were many 3:00 a.m. nights reviewing film, taking notes, and watching each detail in slow motion. On the day of the state, I told the team to perform with thankfulness for all that God has done for us so far. 

This team listened, and that was a huge factor in their success. They take our words and critiques and put them into action. The goal from day one was to make people take us seriously and bring something positive into the school. The team did just that. In addition to winning a state championship, they are also AHSAA North Regional Champions, UCA Magic City Regional Champions, and UCA Space Center Regional Champions.” 

Moving forward, Shaw said he wants the team to continue being thankful for their blessings, recognize that they can accomplish anything their hearts desire when they keep God first, and never let anyone outwork them in practice. 

“I’m excited to see what unfolds at the Nationals level. We will continue to prepare, and we hope to bring another win home for our community.”

Mary Grace Hand is also a coach for AHS Cheer, and said she is honored to be part of the Aggie Cheer organization. 

“I’m originally from Southside, where I cheered all four years of high school, and I recently graduated from the University of Alabama. I now teach 3rd grade Special Education at Albertville Elementary and began working here this school year. It has truly been a blessing to work under Jeremy and Tanika, they are incredible coaches and leaders,” she said. “This year’s theme focuses on good, clean cheerleading while giving all the glory to God. Our team has worked so hard, and we’re excited for what’s ahead. Next up is Nationals in Orlando! The future of Aggie Cheer is bright, and I’m grateful to be a part of it.”

Members of the squad include Macy Lang, Alivia Nadrotowski, Valerie Beasley, Emma Cox, Eve Browning, Trinity Harbison, Olivia Moore, Mollie Walker, Kendyll Sheffey, Alivia Johnson, Dezyree Oliver, Lauren Murphy, Ainzlee Boman, Sadie Maltbie, RK Busha, AK Winegarden, Aria Benefield, Ava Morton, Adalynn Baker, Corbyn Jayne Eads, Annalise Burke, Erah Kate Reese, and Betsy Floyd.