Each fall, Buford head coach Rebecca Powell gathers her competition cheer athletes to set the tone for the season. This year, the Wolves agreed on three clear goals: sharpen skill precision, embody humility and build unity that lasts well beyond the mat.
“Each season my team sits down together to establish three goals,” Powell said. “First, we set out a goal of being consistent and precise in our skill technique, because we believe this is what builds confidence throughout the season. Second, we wanted to be a team that embodied humility, athletes who are coachable, and create an environment where unity was a priority. Last, we hope these goals will push us to improve and increase our performance scores each week we compete.”
Building culture
Powell said the 2025 roster already reflects the culture she wants in a championship-caliber team.
“They are aware of the importance of building authentic relationships and how this impacts how readable our routine is when we compete,” she said. “Personality-wise they are very hardworking and come into the gym knowing maximizing our time together is crucial for success.”
For Powell, that combination of trust and discipline separates a good routine from a great one. Competitive cheer leaves no room for substitutes, making connection and accountability as important as skill.
Leadership and standouts
The Wolves’ tone this year will be set by leaders Elise Smith, Makayla Murphree, Piper Flammer, Mary Ella Davis and Kinsley Jenkinson.
“These ladies work hard to bring joy and positivity to the team and our practices,” Powell said.
Among the athletes expected to deliver standout skills are Reese Peterson, Raegan Sewell, London Smith, Cyleigh Ulmer, Makayla Murphree, Bailey Johnson and Emily Johnson.
“In reality, every athlete on this team is a standout,” Powell said. “Every athlete on this team adds points to our scoresheet and is a valuable asset when they take the mat.”
Training the Wolves
Preparation starts long before the first competition. Powell begins in the spring with 4-on-1 workouts, small-group sessions that help her see which athlete combinations work best.
By summer, the Wolves train as a unit, practicing three days a week to build conditioning, timing and chemistry. Once choreography is set, the focus shifts to polish — repeating routines until strength, precision, control and energy are second nature.
“We work all season to perfect the routine,” Powell said, “with hopes that by the time season competitions, regionals, sectionals and state come, we are ready to execute with strength, precision, control and dynamic energy.”
Spotlight competition
While every competition matters, Powell admits one stands out: the Buford Invitational.
“I know I am biased, but I love when we get to host the Buford Invitational,” she said. “We have such incredible support from our community, and when they all come out to cheer at home it is so fun. We also get a front-row seat to watch some incredible programs from across the state.”
The meet is both a celebration and a proving ground, where the Wolves measure themselves against Georgia’s best in front of classmates and families.
Tradition and identity
Buford cheer carries a tradition of excellence, and with it comes pressure. Powell reminds her athletes to focus on effort, not just results.
“One thing I remind my athletes of every week is that if you put in the hard work, it will create success,” she said. “Nothing easy ever produces something you’re extremely proud of, but when you push through hard tests, practices, injuries and what life throws at you, the outcome will mean so much more. We also talk about surrendering to outcomes. If we do everything we can from start to finish the right way, then we can rest easy knowing we did exactly what we were supposed to through the process.”
The Wolves also keep their identity strong through small but meaningful traditions. The team’s Big-Little groups serve as mini families, providing athletes with mentorship and accountability. A weekly bead box celebrates small victories with cheers as beads drop in to mark progress.
And at the end of every practice, the Wolves gather, link right thumbs, and break it down together:
“Who are we? Buford on three. One, two, three — Buford!”
