Meet the Squad

Argenta Oreana Youth Cheerleading

...is a volunteer-run cheer program serving the Argenta-Oreana community.

Our mission is to build confidence, foster teamwork, and create a fun, energetic environment for young athletes to grow—not just as cheerleaders, but as leaders.

We support local football and basketball programs through spirited sideline cheer, halftime routines, and community events.
In just one season, our program has nearly doubled in size, and we're thrilled to be welcoming 59 cheerleaders to the 2025 season!

Our focus is on fun, skill-building, and safety, and our coaching team works hard to make every practice and performance a positive experience.

We believe that cheerleading should be more than just chants and pom poms—it's about encouraging others, showing up with spirit, and lifting each other up. 💙🧡

Meet the Leadership

Melissa Cotton

Board President & Administrative Lead

Melissa is the organizational powerhouse behind AO Youth Cheer. She keeps the day-to-day operations running smoothly, handling everything from sign-ups to uniforms to raffle tickets. Melissa works as a Senior Compliance Analyst at ADM, and when she's not working or cheering, she's busy with her three kids: Riley (8), and twins Luke and Liam (4).

Sesha Shonkwiler

Vice President & Assistant Coach

Sesha brings both coaching experience and heart to the team. A Teaching Assistant with DPS and an ordained pastor, she’s passionate about working with kids and helping them grow in confidence and skill. Sesha previously coached AOHS Cheerleading and has years of experience with Upward Cheer. She’s also a proud mom of two AO graduates, Chyra and Loryn.

Loryn Shonkwiler

Head Coach

Loryn is the energy at the heart of our cheer program. With years of cheerleading experience from youth leagues through high school, she brings pep, stunting knowledge, and strong leadership to the team. She’s currently a student at Richland Community College studying Early Childhood Education, and she’s passionate about helping our cheerleaders grow on and off the field.

Colleen Force

Board Secretary & Treasurer

Colleen is our finance guru. She helped establish the AO Youth Cheerleading organization, set up our EIN, and keeps the books balanced. Whether it’s managing sponsorship funds or handling banking logistics, Colleen ensures everything runs smoothly behind the scenes.

Hayley Wessler

Cheer Tech + Photo Lead

Hayley jumped in last year as our unofficial team photographer, capturing the energy and heart of our cheerleaders and football players all season long. This year, she’s gone full tech mode—helping build and launch the AO Youth Cheer and JFL websites to make things easier for parents, coaches, and volunteers.

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