Holcomb's Ashlie Correll, Mackenzie Angel to cheer at Three Rivers College

Holcomb High School seniors Ashlie Correll and Mackenzie Angel have signed to continue their education at Three Rivers College, where they will also be members of the Three Rivers Raiders cheerleading squad.

Both Correll and Angel began their cheerleading careers in the fifth grade, stepped away for a number of years, and they both rejoined the squad in high school.

Angel has been taking classes with Three Rivers since her sophomore year, and she explained that she knew early on that she wanted to continue with the Raiders after graduating. She intends to pursue nursing.

“It's always kind of been my main goal to cheer in college since starting again in high school,” Angel said.

The duo agree that they may not have taken the leap if it weren't for the other, and they look forward to continuing their careers together.

“I think it's more fun just because we're so close and get to take on this new adventure together,” Angel said. “I probably wouldn't have done it by myself.”

Holcomb's Mackenzie Angel (center, seated) along with family join together as she signs with Three Rivers College Thursday May 4, 2023.Christian Johnson, Delta Dunklin Democrat

“I wouldn't want to do it with anybody else,” Correll echoed.

Correll plans to pursue a degree in social work.

“I didn't want to leave my family just yet,” Correll said. “I'm planning on going there for two years, and maybe switching, but I didn't want the distance yet.”

Both visited the campus and had the opportunity to meet the Three Rivers cheer squad, and while nerves may have intervened in their excitement, Angel and Correll look forward to cheering with a much larger team.

“It's bigger than what we're used to,” Angel said, “but I'm excited.”

“I'm looking forward to developing more of a teamwork aspect with more than just six of us,” Correll added. “I just hope we become more like a family. Here, we're all really close and I hope the team there is the same way.”

Holcomb's Ashlie Correll (center, seated) along with friends and family join as she signs with Three Rivers College.Christian Johnson, Delta Dunklin Democrat

The two will join the Raiders' current roster of 15 cheerleaders.

Angel and Correll will be joined by several area cheerleaders who have signed with the Raiders as well, including Catie Cox from NMCC, Abigail Dinsmore from East Carter, Makayla McNece from Neelyville, Hailey Bratton from Greenville and Draven Cato from Dexter.