By: Olivia Jones
At Olive High School, senior Talyssa Robertson is making her final year one to remember. A standout in both cheerleading and softball, Talyssa has become known for her energy, positivity, and determination to always give her best. As a flyer on the cheer team, she thrives on the trust and teamwork it takes to execute routines, while softball keeps her grounded with its competitive edge.
For Talyssa, motivation comes directly from the people around her. “My teammates and the feeling of accomplishment after a great performance” are what push her to keep striving for more. That mindset has carried her through tough practices, challenging seasons, and the pressure of big moments.
She credits her cheer coach as one of her greatest influences, someone who has always believed in her even when self-doubt crept in. “She pushes me to be my best and believes in me even when I doubt myself,” Talyssa said. Another major figure in her journey is teacher Kim Elkins, who has impacted her both in and out of the classroom.
Success, she explains, hasn’t come easy. “It’s about always pushing through even when it’s hard,” she said. Talyssa also recognizes the role of her aunt, who refused to let her quit cheerleading and encouraged her to stay the course. That persistence led to some of her proudest moments, winning Cheer Nationals four years in a row with Mannford Competitive Cheer.
While Talyssa respects all competitors equally, she doesn’t focus on rivals. Instead, she places her energy into representing her school and community with pride. “It’s an honor to show spirit and bring people together through team spirit,” she said.
Her approach to balancing academics and athletics is straightforward: plenty of sleep, staying organized, and practicing basic time management. It’s that steady, disciplined mindset that keeps her performing at a high level.
Outside of her own team, Talyssa looks up to Gabi Butler, one of the most recognizable names in cheerleading, and dreams of one day cheering at Oklahoma State University. If she weren’t in cheer or softball, she says she’d likely pursue gymnastics, as she has always loved tumbling.
For Talyssa Robertson, it’s not just about wins or performances; it’s about teamwork, spirit, and leaving behind a legacy of hard work and pride at Olive High School.
