Pryor High School junior Mox Osburn brings quiet strength and steady confidence to the Tigers varsity cheer squad. As a back spot, Osburn embraces one of the sport’s most demanding and detail-oriented roles, focusing on safety, timing and trust every time the team takes the mat.
“I am a back spot on the team, the hardest part for me is making sure I’m doing my duty of lifting since the flyer is not directly over me,” Osburn said. That responsibility has sharpened her focus and reinforced the importance of communication with her teammates during stunts and routines.
Osburn said the best part of cheer is the bond she shares with the Tigers. “I love the friendship and enthusiasm my friends bring on the team and how we are all there for each other,” she said. Representing Pryor, she added, is about more than uniforms and sidelines. “Representing Pryor is special to me because I love the community in Pryor and I’m proud I get to show how hard my team, and I work.”
Her inspiration comes from home. “My mom inspires me I’ve seen how hard she works, and all her determination and I aspire to be like her someday,” Osburn said.
In the classroom, Osburn lists science as her favorite subject and still remembers her favorite teacher, second-grade teacher Mrs. Holliday. Away from varsity cheer, she stays busy with the Native American Club, National Honor Society, track and helping with Special Olympics cheer. In her free time, she enjoys all-star cheer and running, activities that help her stay in shape for long practices and game nights.
Osburn said her teammates’ personalities help keep the team loose and connected. “The teammate that is most vocal is Nubia she is a great leader and never leaves anyone out and helps everyone,” she said. “I would say the funniest teammate is definitely Makayla she makes the whole room laugh.”
Through it all, athletics has given Osburn perspective. “Athletics has taught me that everyone goes through something different every day and we need to treat everyone with respect,” she said. Her greatest strength, she added, shows when the spotlight turns on. “The strength in my game is my confidence when we go out and perform, I’m always confident and keep going if I mess up.”
