Kelsie Burke, formerly of LaGrange, recently signed her National Letter of Intent to be a cheerleader at Gardner-Webb University. She will enroll at the private, Christian university this fall as a member of the class of 2023. 

Burke is a former Rosemont Elementary and Long Cane Middle School student and student-athlete at Port St. Joe High School, graduating from Florida Virtual School in May 2019. 

She is a two-time Cheersport National Champion, U.S. Finals champion, was recognized at UCA camp as an outstanding leader among her peers, was acting high school co-captain her junior year for homecoming and the state basketball championships and has twice received an invitation to compete at Cheerleading Worlds. 

“Gardner-Webb University Cheerleading is so thrilled to have Kelsie as a member of our squad this coming year,” said Lenea Walker, head cheerleading coach. “She is bringing several strengths to our program with her strong background in tumbling to her excellent stunting ability.” 

Kelsie attended Rosemont Elementary and Long Cane Middle School before her family relocated to Port St. Joe, Florida, in 2015. While living in Georgia, Kelsie was a member of Troup Spirit, United Pythons and the Long Cane Middle School competitive cheerleading squad. 

“I am so excited and grateful for the opportunity to be a GWU Runnin’ Bulldogs Cheerleader,” said Burke, who plans to pursue a degree in nursing. “Cheering at the collegiate level is something I have been working towards since I was 4-years-old. This experience is a dream come true for me and I know that it will provide a strong foundation for my future success, both on the mat and field and off.”