James Powell commits to the University of Memphis

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — Vicksburg native James Powell has committed to the University of Memphis cheerleading team. The University of Memphis made the announcement last month that Powell will be joining their squad next season.

Powell spent this past season at Northwest Mississippi Community College where he helped his team to a state title alongside Vicksburg native Payton Feagin. He is a high school graduate of St. Aloysius where he joined the team as a senior.

As a senior at St. Al., Powell was named Team MVP and received the Team Leadership Award.

Powell joined the cheer team as a junior where he was a tumbler who eventually went on to win the MVP Award after just one year. He also was named an All-American at the UCA Cheer Camp at LSU.

“It was great and I really enjoyed it because winning the award was very special,” Powell said.

James also cheered at Ace of Jackson and chose Northwest over other opportunities.

“They have a really good program and they have some great coaches that care about their athletes so that was the main reason I chose Northwest,” he added.

Powell cheered in high school under Head Coach Kirsten Golding where he testified that he loved being a part of the program.