Former Vicksburg High Cheerleader Natalie Phillips makes the Belhaven University Squad

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — Natalie Phillips, a recent graduate of River City Early College and former Vicksburg High School cheerleader, has been selected for the cheerleading squad at Belhaven University.

Phillips found out she made the team just a few weeks ago, months after submitting her tryout video in November.

“I sent my videos in and I didn’t expect to make it, but I did — so it’s kind of a shocker to me,” Phillips said.

Phillips’ cheerleading journey began at Bowmar Elementary School. She went on to join the cheer team at Vicksburg High as a freshman, took a brief break, and returned to the sport during her senior year. She said the pep rallies were some of her most memorable experiences.

“My favorite one was when we did the western theme and we would line dance in the gym,” she said. “I just love the bonds I was able to create with my cheer sisters.”

Phillips cheered for both football and basketball during her time at VHS and was coached by Aerial Patten and Rhondilyn Nix.

Though a member of the VHS cheer team, Phillips attended River City Early College, where she graduated with both her high school diploma and an associate degree in the same year. She finished with a 4.7 GPA.

“I wanted my parents to always be proud of me — that’s why I kept my grades high,” she said. “I’m just hardworking, determined and motivated.”

Phillips is the daughter of Clifford and Debra Phillips. She plans to major in nursing at Belhaven University.