Stars, Stripes & Stunts Greenup County Cheerleaders Represent Team USA

Stars, Stripes & Stunts

Greenup County Cheerleaders Represent Team USA

Sasha Bush

The Ashland Beacon

In an unforgettable moment of pride and achievement, four girls from Greenup County stepped onto the global stage—not just as cheerleaders, but as ambassadors for their country. Ella Shay Fraley, Abbigail Grace Howard, Khloe Ginn, and Libby Carter were recently chosen to represent the United States on the prestigious USA Junior All Girl National Cheer Team (JAG). This elite squad comprised of just 32 athletes competed in Orlando, Florida, from April 23–25, and included some of the most talented cheerleaders in the nation aged 15–18.

Their journey to Team USA wasn’t easy—it began last November with a grueling tryout process, hours of practice, and unwavering dedication. But what they gained was an experience of a lifetime, one that will forever shape their futures and inspire others in their hometown.

"The Little Girl in Me Would Be So Proud"

Ella Shay Fraley, a senior at Greenup County High School with over 11 years of cheer experience, reflected on what it meant to wear the red, white, and blue.

“I have always wanted to be a part of the team,” she said. “When we found out tryouts were in Nashville instead of Louisiana, we knew we couldn’t miss the opportunity.”

Describing the tryout process, Fraley shared, “The first round was mostly tumbling and elite stunts. Then we had a cut and moved on to repetitions of more elite stunts. The third round was putting sequences together. We stepped out of our comfort zone to be there, and knowing we were keeping up with everyone felt so surreal.”

But for Fraley, the real reward was emotional.

“My favorite thing about this entire process has been being a part of something much bigger than I am. It has been a dream come true. I get to represent my country while doing the sport I have loved my whole life. When we got our practice gear and uniform, I just felt so proud of what I have accomplished.”

“Everyone in the Country is Rooting for Us”

Abbigail Grace Howard, affectionately known as Gracie, is a senior and four-year member of Greenup County High School’s renowned varsity cheer squad. For Howard, being selected for Team USA was a personal milestone.

“My friends and I got a group together and tried out when we heard it was being held in Nashville,” she recalled.

“It was a very tedious process. After each round, they’d post numbers on the door for who made the cut. Waiting for those final results on Wednesday was nerve-wracking.” What stood out most to her was the sense of unity.

“My favorite thing about this is the new people I’ve met. Everyone in the country is rooting for us—it’s just amazing. This isn’t like school cheer where you’re competing against others. Here, we’re representing everyone.”

Howard was especially excited for the international competition in Florida.

“I was more than ready for the experience of a lifetime—meeting people from all around the world and just having fun with my team.”

“It Really Is a Dream Come True”

Khloe Ginn, a junior at Greenup County High School and a cheerleader for over 13 years, echoed that same passion.

“What I love most about this experience is how rare and special it really is,” Ginn shared. “Not many people get the chance to represent their country like this. It makes all the hard work feel worth it.”

She added, “When I started cheerleading at 3 years old, I never thought I’d end up on Team USA. Getting picked for this team feels like proof that all the effort meant something. It really is a dream come true.”

Ginn, along with the rest of the team, balanced intense practices—three days a week, up to five hours a day—with school, travel, and personal commitments. Their focus never wavered.

“They Will Forever Be Team USA”

Libby Carter’s proud moment wasn’t only hers—it was one her entire family and community shared. Her mother, Kala Carter, took to social media to share the emotion behind the experience. “These four walked into a tryout with zero expectation other than attending a USA tryout with the country’s best in their age group. Making the team was a dream come true,” she wrote.

“Through thick and thin, good days and bad, they supported one another, showed up for their team, and worked HARD to improve their craft. They drove to Nashville 11 times, had 40 practice days, and still kept up with schoolwork.”

In an emotional glimpse behind the scenes, Kala added, “They had one broken nose, 3 shots of some kind for sickness, countless chicken tenders from Wingstop and Raising Cane’s, discovered 7 Brew, and even snuck in a day at the zoo.”

She ended with the perfect sentiment: “The end being a week-long event where nations from the world met for a championship, helping pioneer cheerleading to the Olympics. They will forever be TEAM USA.”

Greenup County has long been known for producing powerhouse athletes, particularly in cheerleading, but this moment elevated that legacy to the international stage.

These four young women—Ella Shay Fraley, Abbigail Grace Howard, Khloe Ginn, and Libby Carter—have shown what passion, discipline, and teamwork can accomplish. They didn’t just cheer for Greenup. They cheered for America, and they did it with heart.