Sports Spotlight - West Orange Times & Observer: Casey Kenoyer

Casey Kenoyer, a senior co-captain for the Foundation Academy competitive cheerleading team, received the 2017 Scholar Athlete Award at the Fellowship of Christian Cheerleaders' National Christian Cheerleading Championships, held at the Rosen Shingle Creek Resort Jan. 5-7. The team placed third in the competition.

What was the experience like competing at FCC Nationals?

It was incredible — it was an amazing opportunity that we got to go to Nationals. This is only our second year having a competition team, so just the fact that we had that opportunity was really, really great.

How does it feel to be recognized for your hard work as a cheerleader and in the classroom?

It’s really exciting because I work really hard at school and cheer, and trying to balance it all. It’s nice to be recognized and break that stereotype that cheerleaders are these ditzy airheads that don’t care about anything. All the cheerleaders I’ve met are all really hard working and they work at school.

What’s the best advice you or the team has received from head coach Adrienne Pilz?

She always pushes us to be our best and try our hardest. When we think we’re tired, she just pushes us to do it one more time. She teaches us to believe in ourselves and believe in others.

Speaking of Coach Pilz, she gave birth recently. How excited is the team for her big news?

We are so thrilled for her, we love her so much. She gives us 110% everyday and we’re just so grateful for everything she does, so we’re so excited for this new blessing in her life.

Since you are doing so well in the classroom, which class is your favorite and what is the most interesting thing you have learned about?

I would have to say science is probably my favorite. I’m in AP Biology right now and I would say (the most interesting thing I have learned about is) genetics — that’s what we’re studying right now. It’s just very interesting to see how things are inherited and the traits that are passed down, and just on a molecular level, the DNA and how everything works together.

Have you got your plans for college nailed down yet?

I’m not sure where I’m going yet. I’ve gotten all my acceptances and I’m just waiting to figure it out. I’m going to major in nursing.

Outside of competition cheerleading, do you enjoy cheering at Foundation Academy’s home football games?

I love the atmosphere of Friday night football — having the crowd there and the fans. It’s just a whole lot of fun.