Twelve years of cheerleading and six years of dancing are just some of the experiences Holly Kate O’Brien has encountered. Her love for these two sports drive her to practice hours each week, always preparing for the next game or competition.

“I dance because it makes me happy, and I can be myself,” O’Brien said.

O’Brien began dancing at Steps Dance Studio when she was two years old but did not dance competitively until she was seven. She competes in musical theater, contemporary, lyrical, and ballet at Steppin’ Out Dance Studio. Over the summer, her studio’s production at nationals won the award for most entertaining and energetic.

“I like how I can be myself and put it all on the dance floor, and just being with all of my friends,” O’Brien said.

Although she prefers dance, that has not stopped her ambition for cheer.

“I am also a sideline cheerleader for football, and later in the year, I am doing basketball. I am the captain of the football cheer squad,” O’Brien said.

Since the third grade, she has cheered for football, but O’Brien will begin basketball cheerleading for the first time this year.

Throughout the year, O’Brien will continue to cheer and dance; look for her on the sidelines at the freshman games.