Athlete Spotlight: James Wood cheerleader Khyla Mason

James Wood High School 17-year-old senior

Sport: Cheerleading. Position: Flyer

Parents: Angela and Aaron Mason

Hometown: Front Royal (moved to Winchester sophomore year)

What do you love about cheerleading?: The family aspect, the love, the bond we all have together.

Most memorable moment in cheerleading: My first year at James Wood, when we won districts at Millbrook. I remember how excited everyone in the crowd was when we were performing.

Most embarrassing moment in cheerleading: My eighth-grade year on [Warren County High School’s] JV. For my third tumbling pass I landed facing in the wrong direction. I don’t think anybody really noticed, but I did, so that was embarrassing for me.

Most difficult moment in cheerleading: Losing two of my teammates, Katana [Graves] and Kassi [Culp]. (A Warren County student, Graves died in a vehicle crash in Maryland in 2019. Culp attended James Wood and died last year.) They both meant a lot to me.

Three people you can have dinner with, dead or alive: Definitely Katana and Kassi, just so I can have more time with them. And [the movie character] Madea just because she’s funny.

Biggest athletic influence: Karla Snell. She was my coach at Warren County. She’s always been there for me.

Favorite teacher: Karla Snell. She was a teacher’s aide in a couple of my classes at Warren County. She just always gave me extra help whenever I needed it.

Favorite sports team: Maryland Twisters Blackout cheerleading

Favorite movie: “Shottas”

Favorite TV show: “The Proud Family”

Favorite song: “Listen” by Beyonce

Favorite food: Anything spicy

Plans after high school: I plan to go to college and cheer at the D-I collegiate level and study exercise science and kinesiology. I just think I do well in those areas. And it would give me a chance to stay around sports.

— Compiled by Robert Niedzwiecki