By Kiara Doyal, The Seattle Medium
The HEIR Sports Academy Cheer program continues to carry the prestigious torch of the HEIR Sports Academy, as both the HEIR Diamonds and the HEIR Royals brought home national titles after competing in the PAC West Grand Nationals last month in Portland, Oregon.
Under the direction of HEIR Sports Academy Cheer Director Areyonna Jackson, not only has HEIR Cheer been the back-to-back Champions in 2022 and 2023 for the Northwest Premiere Jr Football league, but also gained national power after winning a national title at the PAC West Grand Nationals.
Looking at this season for the HEIR cheer program, they have experienced an endless number of wins that has been an amazing experience for the athletes. Remaining to hold all their athletes at the high standards of HEIR, HEIR has had its fair share of growing well-versed athletes and young individuals.
“Watching our teams go on a national stage, with the bright lights ending this season off with their best performances was the most amazing feeling for me,” says Jackson.
HEIR Sports Academy was created by Super Bowl XLIV Champion Reggie Jones after his five years spent playing in the National Football League (NFL). Promising every athlete to grow after becoming a part of the HEIR family, the staff is filled with former collegiate and NFL players who choose to give their time and knowledge in helping develop young athletes from the Elementary to Professional level. HEIR offers an endless number of opportunities for male and female athletes.
Before joining HEIR as the Cheer Director in May of 2022, Jackson had a successful journey of her own as a cheerleader. Her athletic journey began at the age of five, starting on a path that allowed her to compete for multiple years as an all-star cheerleader. Jackson then continued her athletic career at Todd Beamer High School, where she was a varsity cheerleader during her time there as a Titan. Switching over to the mentor side, Jackson then served as the head coach for the Todd Beamer varsity cheer team from 2017 to 2022, showing her dedication and love for the sport.
“My love for the sport shows in every practice, game, and competition. I cheered and volunteered in my free time for local recreational programs as well,” says Jackson.
Varying between multiple responsibilities to keep the program flowing smoothly, such as working closely with the coaching staff to develop training and providing guidance on skill development, are just a few responsibilities that Jackson takes on every day within her role as Cheer Director for the HEIR community.
“Overall, as the cheer director, I play a crucial role in ensuring the success, safety, and overall well-being of the cheerleading program and its participants,” says Jackson.
In addition to helping young athletes grow, HEIR continues to create a welcoming, close-knit environment by following the 4 core values of the program: Heart, Education, Integrity, and Resilience.
“Being a part of HEIR the last two seasons has given a sense of family, hard work, and dedication,” says Jackson. “I enjoy watching all of the athletes and coaches bond over fun extra activities such as trunk or treat, Friendsgiving, barbeques, and fundraisers.”
The HEIR cheer program strives to remain at high excellence and continue to bring home national championship titles under great direction by Jackson. HEIR holds all athletes to a certain standard to ensure they will be receiving every opportunity that they can to grow as a young athlete.
Providing the athletes guidance, opportunities, and maintaining functional programs has always been a top goal for HEIR.
“Seeing the program that Reggie has built is inspiring! He has built such a well-respected program that has been able to provide athletes in football, cheerleading, and track an opportunity to perform at a national level,” says Jackson.