OKLAHOMA CITY (Nov. 27, 2020) – Oklahoma Christian cheerleader.

Nursing student involved in clinical rotations.
 
President of social service club Theta Theta Theta.
 
Each of these activities require countless hours of dedication, hard work and energy. But for senior Avery Black, holding all three roles is worth the effort.
 
"It's a hard balance at times especially when it comes to nursing, clinicals, leading a club and practices, but it's definitely worth it," Black said. "I'm very passionate about my schoolwork and all the extracurriculars, so I make it work. Having days for specific things and staying organized by planning out my day helps a lot."
 
Black, from Oxnard, Calif., attended Ventura College, a community college in Ventura, Calif., after high school. In 2018, she made the decision to transfer to Oklahoma Christian, nearly 1,400 miles from her home northwest of Los Angeles. Although moving halfway across the U.S. was an adjustment, Black said she decided to transfer because of the nursing program and the community at OC.
 
"It was rough having to adjust to Oklahoma in general," Black said. "Then, coming to Oklahoma Christian, it was hard being alone, moving far and not knowing a single person. It was a lot of changes, but it forced me to be independent."
 
Black entered OC as a sophomore and began working on her nursing degree. She also rushed Theta Theta Theta and began to get involved around campus, through club life, intramurals and working at Chick-Fil-A.
 
During February of her sophomore year, Oklahoma Christian added competitive cheer as a club sport. Susan Jones, an academic coach at OC, a competitive cheer coach and a former Oklahoma State University cheerleader, was named the program's head coach. She held open tryouts and Black, who cheered in elementary, middle school and high school, decided to attend.
 
"I always loved cheering and performing," Black said. "When I heard they were getting a cheer team, I was so pumped and had to be a part of it. I love being in front of the crowd bringing spirit and hype to a crowd."
 
Eight students tried out initially and Jones said Black stood out to her immediately and Jones knew Black would be a positive addition to the team.

"Avery was one I could not take my eyes off of," Jones said. "Her smile is infectious and her energy abounding. She was meant to be on a stage. Avery has incredible showmanship, confidence and incredible cheer skills."
 
During the cheer program's first year, Jones chose Black as one of the co-captains, because she admired Black's leadership skills and selfless attitude.
 
"Her leadership skills from the beginning were apparent," Jones said. "She complimented the others and when she saw that someone needed extra attention on certain chants or routines, she was always willing to help."
 
Now, in her senior year and her second year on the cheer team, Black continues to serve as the squad's co-captain. Senior Inayah Minniefield, Black's teammate and club sister, said Black's leadership style exudes understanding, love and passion.
 
"Avery is a great leader on the cheer team, because she puts forth so much effort and is an example for us," Minniefield said. "Her energy motivates me during practice to try my best, even when I may be having a bad week or feeling tired."
 
Minniefield also said through working with Black in cheer and in club, she has witnessed Black daily display love like Christ, by putting others first and taking time to help her teammates.
 
"Despite being busy with work and her involvement on campus, Avery has also been willing to help practice outside of set times, help me learn chants, improve my jumps and become a better cheerleader," Minniefield said. "Even when she was going through tough times personally, Avery still checked on others and was emotionally available." 
 
According to Black, having the opportunity to grow and cheer with amazing women, like Minniefield, keeps her motivated and is the reason Black loves cheering at OC.
 
"The team is full of hardworking, spiritual woman who are all unique," Black said. "We all bring something different to the team, which makes us so special. Our coach is like a mom to us. She truly cares about us and is there for us, whether it comes to struggling in class or needing a place to stay for the night. I'd do anything for Coach Susan. I'm blessed to have learned so much from her in this sport and in life."
 
After graduating from OC next April, Black plans to stay in Oklahoma City and work as a mental health nurse.