By Elizabeth Contreras
At Lincoln Christian, the cheer squad is embracing a new motto for their 2025 season: “Double Rings for the King.” Senior Madalynn Wann says the team is determined to take gold at this year’s state competition, a title they earned once before.
“Winning state my junior year was an unbelievable and unforgettable moment,” Wann reflects.
Having cheered since 5th grade, Wann says she has developed a strong passion for the sport. “I don’t just want to cheer but I want to cheer to the best of my ability,” she says. “My mindset now is more all in and striving for excellence.”
For her, striving for excellence means more than bows. “We aren’t just ‘pretty princesses,’ we are athletes,” she emphasizes. Behind every flawless stunt are countless, exhausting hours spent mastering it.
“Our bodies ache, and sometimes they break,” shares Wann. “Cheer has pushed me to my limits, and it has also shown me how strong I truly am.”
That strength was earned the hard way. “Tumbling in general is not something that comes easily to me and it was definitely a struggle to get the hang of it,” she says. “Now tumbling is one of my favorite things to.”
Her toughest season came as a freshman when the squad was weighed down by a negative culture that left her questioning her place on the team. Rather than seeing herself through the opinions of others, she began to see herself through the truth of who God says she is. “In those moments I have to go back to truth and remind myself that God says I am masterpiece, and I am chosen; then I go and act it out,” reflects Wann.
Now, it is her mission to ensure every member of the squad feels valued and appreciated. “I am thankful for that year because it taught me a lot about who I want to be,” she adds. “And it is what motivates me to do everything I can to intentionally love my teammates.” Thanks to that attitude, today the squad is more positive than ever.
Creating a culture where every girl knows she matters is paramount for Wann. Her faith-driven leadership and intentional love have become her trademark, shaping the way she approaches each day and every routine.
