Triton High School senior Haley Carson has signed to continue her academic and cheerleading future with Grace College. Seated with Haley are parents Jeff and Kim Carson. In the back row are Triton cheer coach Kim Stetzel, sister Macy Carson and Triton athletic director Mason McIntyre. InkFreeNews photo by Nick Goralczyk

By Nick Goralczyk
InkFreeNews

BOURBON – After spending her prep career keeping the Trojan faithful hyped on the sidelines, Triton’s Haley Carson will be taking her leadership and cheer talents to the collegiate level at Grace College.

Carson, surrounded by her family, school administrators and the Triton cheer squad, signed with the Lancers Wednesday morning to continue her education and athletic careers at the Winona Lake college.

“It was important for me to stay close to home,” Carson explained. The Triton senior is happy with the short drive from her hometown, but has plenty of other things to love about Grace.

“The education program there is really good,” said Carson, an aspiring elementary school teacher. “I love the trails and how the campus is right on the lake. It’s a really pretty campus.”

Carson received the offer from Grace following a tryout this past weekend. With a reported 15 girls present for the tryouts, only three made the cut. Carson was ecstatic to be among that trio but realizing the well-rounded student she is, it’s easy to see why Grace wants her for more than just her efforts on the sidelines.

Carson, who currently boasts a 3.8 GPA, cheered for both the football and basketball seasons, serving as captain each time. She also spends time as a member of Spanish Club, National Honor Society, Senior Squad, Spirit Club and participated in the Distinguished Young Women pageant. That’s all in addition to her work on the worship team, youth group, bible ministry, summer camp and teaching the preschool class at Camp Creek Church in Etna Green.

It’s not hard to see why she was the captain for Triton coach Kim Stetzel’s squad.

“Haley is an exceptional cheerleader and young woman,” Stetzel offered. “She is a very strong base. She has a great personality and always has a tremendous attitude. She goes above and beyond for her team and for me. She was my captain for football and basketball season this year after being selected by a group of six teachers.

“She’s dedicated to the girls and so motivating for them. She always had a positive attitude and pushes the girls to do their best. I will miss her tremendously next year.”