Cassville athletics fans know the name Kyler Hayward for her years on the basketball and softball teams, but the senior recently signed to a collegiate program for a sport she has not participated in since middle school.

For the senior, it was a moment of opportunity to accept an offer to cheer for the Gorillas in Pittsburg, Kan.

“I did [cheer] when I was younger, and I thought I’d try it again,” she said. “They offered me a spot, so I took it.”

Hayward has previously cheered competitively with POP Cheer in Monett through eighth grade, but did not cheer at Cassville. Her mother, Janell, suggested she try to cheer in college.

“I picked it back up really quickly,” Hayward said. “I went to a tumbling session in Monett and did all the things I used to do.”

Hayward said part of her decision to go to Pitt State was the atmosphere.

“I have close friends and family there, and my brother lived there, so it felt like Cassville in college form,” she said.

Hayward said when it comes to finding scholarship opportunities as an athlete, an open mind is paramount.

“Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone,” she said. “And, enjoy what you have.”

Hayward is the daughter of Levi and Janell Hayward, of Cassville, and she plans to major in kinesiology.