Zeeland West's Grace Roosien is Holland Sentinel Competitive Cheer Athlete of the Year

ZEELAND - As a gymnast and a performer, it was only a matter of time before Grace Roossien put them together and became a competitive cheer athlete.

Her drive to compete helped lead Zeeland West to a historic season where the team qualified for regionals for the first time and just missed out on the state finals.

The senior main base was selected as the Holland Sentinel Competitive Cheer Athlete of the Year.

"Grace worked well under pressure and is adaptable to any situation," Zeeland West coach Emillie Gort said.

That includes the pressure at districts with a possible first chance at regionals.

"This was the best season yet and I couldn’t be more proud of our team. Last year, we were just getting started by breaking school records. This year, we fed off that energy, put in the work, and made school history. I’m so thankful for my coach and my team. The love and support we have for each other is the best. Together, we made this season one that I’ll remember forever," Goossien said. "Making regionals meant everything to me. It was such a special moment for all of us. It meant even more because we missed it by just a few points last year. That lit a fire in us, motivated us to work even harder this year. It created a drive like never before for me. We went into districts knowing we needed to place in the top 4. Not only did we make top 4 but we were district runner up."

That memory will forever stay with the Dux.

"When they called our team regional qualifiers, it was the most amazing feeling," Goossien said. "All of us cried happy tears and hugged each other because all that hard work finally paid off. Competing at regionals with other top teams was such a huge accomplishment for us. We couldn’t have done it without Coach Emillie. She pushed us to be our best. Our connection as a team was better than ever and that helped with improving our stunts and growing our confidence. Some of us had never stunted together before this year, but one thing that cheer has taught me is that the work you put in is worth it."

Goossien put in the work and has performed all over the lineup for the Dux.

"I’ve been a flyer, a side base, and a tumbler. I’ve only ever filled in as a main base when needed," she said. "Being a main base this year, I knew I needed work on my stability, core strength, and mentality. I had two knee dislocations within two months of each other coming into the competitive season and I had to work hard to make sure that our stunt group felt secure and confident in my ability as their main base and I needed them to know that they could count on me."

Holland Sentinel All-Area Competitive Cheer

Grace Roossien, Zeeland West (AOY)

Addley Field, West Ottawa

Sarai Garcia, West Ottawa

Zoe Hippey, Hamilton

Riley Howe, Zeeland Wet

Korrayah Kapenga, Hamilton

Danielle Kyes, West Ottawa

Jennifer Lambers, Hamilton

Carmin Maldonado, Zeeland East

Addysen Miller, Zeeland West

Katherine O'Brien, West Ottawa

Ava Paus, Zeeland East

Jordin Robelin, Zeeland West

Emma Schurman, Zeeland West

Lydia Tubbergen, West Ottawa

Kaila Vork, West Ottawa

Aubrey Weighmink, Zeeland West

Contact sports editor Dan D’Addona at Dan.D’Addona@hollandsentinel.com. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter @DanDAddona or Facebook @HollandSentinelSports.

This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Zeeland West's Grace Roosien is Competitive Cheer Athlete of the Year