Four DeSoto County cheerleaders on University of Memphis championship team

Photo: University of Memphis cheerleaders from DeSoto County with the UCA championship trophy and medals. The four are Graycie Simpson, Lexie Collins, Karlee Baxter, Kaleigh Buenaventura. (Courtesy photo)

DeSoto County left a significant mark on the national stage last weekend as four local athletes helped propel the University of Memphis cheerleading squad to a national title.

The Tigers claimed the top spot in the UCA Division IA Small Coed National Championship in Orlando, Florida, bolstered by a “DeSoto quartet” of former local standouts.

The Local Stars

The championship team featured four athletes who sharpened their skills in Mississippi high school programs:

• Graycie Simpson (DeSoto Central)
• Karlee Baxter (Lewisburg)
• Kaleigh Buenaventura (Lewisburg)
• Lexie Collins (Lewisburg)

Overcoming Adversity in Orlando

The path to the gold was not without its challenges. During the Elite Traditional finals, the Memphis squad suffered a fall during their routine. However, because the incident was triggered by a cheerleader’s medical condition, judges allowed the team to continue their performance.

Despite receiving a two-point deduction for the fall, Memphis’s technical execution was so dominant that they still outpaced runner-up Purdue by a full two points. In addition to their first-place finish in the Traditional routine, the Tigers also earned a runner-up trophy in the Game Day category.

A Legacy of Winning

For Graycie Simpson, this victory is another chapter in a storied career. A seasoned champion, Simpson previously won four national titles and three MHSAA championships while at DeSoto Central. After a freshman stint at the University of West Georgia, she returned closer to home to join the Memphis program.

Simpson is now paying it forward, helping out as a coach for the current DeSoto Central team as they prepare for their own national debut this February.

Regional Standings

The Small Coed elite traditional division featured strong representation from the region, with Southern Mississippi finishing in fourth place and Mississippi State taking seventh.