EHS College Spotlight: Kelsey Messer, Cheerleading- Boise State

The task of graduating from high school and preparing for the  next phase of life is never easy.

Some go on to college, some join the military or workforce, and some take the challenge head on by doing a sport they love at the university level.

Enumclaw High School Class of 2011 graduate Kelsey Messer took on the challenge by trying out for the Boise State University Cheer-leading squad in April, and was one of six young woman to beat out approximately 120 others for a highly coveted spot on the two-time national champion Boise State University cheerleading squad starting this fall as an incoming freshman.

Kelsey talked recently about the transition from Enumclaw to cheer-leading and college life in Boise

"It was very stressful," Messer said about the try-out process.

Boise State Head Cheerleading Coach Julie Stevens broke down the skills Messer needed to learn and audition for to earn a spot on the Bronco cheer squad.

"Kelsey came to a clinic on April 22, where she learned a fight song, (which included a back handspring or back tuck and a toe touch) a cheer dance, and three sideline chants." Stevens said. "She also had to stunt with new people in a group stunt or partner stunting and to do tumbling passes." 

April 23 was audition day, and it was a marathon. However, Kelsey was not intimidated by the stage and took care of business just like she did for Enumclaw High School as a gymnast and cheerleader. Thus, after a long post-audition six-hour wait Messer got the news of making the team in a letter.

"I was totally shocked," Messer said. "I wanted to make the team, but by nature I try not to get my hopes up."

Stevens is looking forward to Kelsey's arrival in Boise.

"She (Kelsey) will make a great member on the squad," her coach said.

This was a culmination of a cheerleading journey that got its start after wanting to take a break from the rigors of club gymnastics.

"I was burned out after 15 years of gymnastics," Messer said. " Cheerleading had a lot of the same skills so I decided to get in, and its been a lot of fun."

Next comes the tricky part for any future college student -- the task of leaving to a new place. For Kelsey, the transition from Enumclaw to Boise at first glance might be a big one based on city and school size but Messer is confident because of the similarities she sees between the cities as far as approach to community goes.

"Enumclaw and Boise are both very tight-knit communities," Messer said. Also, Boise is a similar small-town type feel, and "Boise State was an out of state school with a cheer squad I wanted to be a part of."

Messer said she thinks she will like that more than say the University of Washington.

"Boise State, which has 20,000 students, is also just different than U-Dub, where it's just so big that you won't really get to know anybody," she said.

Kelsey shared her thoughts on what it's going to feel like the first time she puts on a Bronco cheerleading uniform on gameday.

"It's going to be surreal," Messer said. "I'm excited for it."

Boise State opens its football season Sept. 3 against another NCAA powerhouse, Georgia, in the 2011 Chick Fil-A Kickoff Classic in Atlanta in the Georgia Dome.