Sierra Misgen grateful for cheerleading opportunities

Sierra Misgen, a senior at NRHEG High School, has been a cheerleader and member of the competition cheer team for more than a decade. This past summer, she was named an All-American Cheerleader for the second consecutive year, an honor awarded by the Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA) during an annual training camp at the University of Minnesota. To earn the title, Sierra took part in a tryout process that tested her skills, leadership, and enthusiasm.

In addition to being named an All-American, Sierra has been selected for the Minnesota

Cheerleading Coaches Association (MCCA) All-State Sideline and Competition teams. She performed alongside other talented cheerleaders from across the state at the Minnesota Cheer event on Feb. 1.

As an All-American, Sierra has cheered alongside some talented athletes from across the United States. Last year, she represented her school and community by participating in the Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade in Hawaii. This year, she is taking her talents overseas to cheer in the iconic London New Year’s Day Parade, a globally celebrated event that features performers from around the world.

Sierra is a captain of NRHEG’s competition cheer team. Together, she and her teammates have grown stronger, and built a shared commitment to excellence. She also serves as a captain for the sideline cheer team, where she cheers for winter sports, including basketball and wrestling. She says it is one of her goals to bring leadership and enthusiasm to both teams, helping bring energy and spirit to every performance, game, and match, making her an invaluable part of her school’s athletic community.

Her role as captain has also afforded her the opportunity to participate in the Varsity Spirit

Spectacular at Disney World, a UCA-hosted event where she performed on Main Street in the

Magic Kingdom. She thinks of the experience as unforgettable, as well as one of the highlights of her cheerleading journey.

Each UCA parade brings unique challenges and opportunities. Participants are required to learn

a specific cheer or dance routine ahead of time, with the choreography sent out in advance.

Performers practice individually and then join large group rehearsals at the event destination. From the Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade to Disney World and now London, Sierra says each has provided her with unforgettable memories and new challenges.

Having been part of the competition cheer team since second grade, Sierra is now in her tenth

and final season. Reflecting on the past decade, she says she recognizes how much cheerleading has taught her—not only about athleticism and performance, but also about teamwork,

perseverance, and leadership. As she prepares to conclude her cheerleading career, Sierra expresses her gratitude for the experiences, friendships, and memories that will remain with her for a lifetime.