Soaring to the next level, Hawks cheerleader Emma Butler signs Letter of Intent

Butler to join the first Stunt & Cheer squad for Arizona Christian University

YUMA, Ariz., (KYMA, KECY) - It was a special day at Gila Ridge High School on Wednesday for Emma Butler, who signed her name on the dotted line to take her cheer talents to the next level in the fall.

In front of family, friends and teammates, the Gila ridge senior signed her Letter of Intent to compete for Arizona Christian University's Stunt & Cheer team.

Emma not only received a favorable scholarship, but she will be joining a brand new group, as part of the inaugural season for the team.

Something her future coach Jill Milnor, who took the three-hour drive to Yuma to join the celebration, says is special in its own way and Emma perfectly fit the bill for an up-and-coming sport in Arizona.

"Stunt in Arizona is just up-and-coming and this is a new varsity sport. You're going to see it explode in the next few years," said Milnor. "For her to be a part of an inaugural stunt program and to cheer at the same time, I'm really excited for her. One of the things about starting a new program is having really special people to help start the core of the program and I see that in Emma."

Emma also gave an emotional speech to those in attendance, giving a great deal of credit to those around her.

"I feel like I have a great support system, so when I go off to college they will be right by my side. My family has always been supportive and Gila Ridge also helped shape me," said Butler. "I am really excited for the future."

Emma was part of the cheer team that captured an AIA state title last year and has one more shot at it with competitions soon to be underway before she heads off to Phoenix next fall.