“Today, I believe resilience in adversity produces grit.”  

The Liberty Creek Varsity High School Cheerleaders recently memorialized their teammate, Aleya Brooks in the most special way. Fifteen year old Aleya passed away in March due to complications from an accident leaving her family, teammates, and the entire community mourning the loss of a truly beautiful soul. 

Last week the team revealed their new uniforms, designed specifically as a dedication to their missing teammate and as a way to carry her with them into their competition season. 

“Even in the darkest hour, I will take deep breaths reminding myself to inhale faith and exhale fear.”

Coaches Jodi Curtis and Ashley Pascarella, paint Aleya as someone who was a spiritual leader, wise council, loving friend, and so much more. 

“It’s hard to describe her in a few words, “ said Jodi. “She was dedicated, focused, encouraging, and she cared way more about others than she did herself.” 

“Whenever I pause to visualize the next moment, I optimistically center my thoughts on being positive.”

Aleya, though in a life season where self absorption and superficial priorities are usually at their peak, chose to be different. According to her journal entries, her main goal— her life’s purpose–was to be remembered as “kind.” 

“She didn’t have social media,” said Jodi. “She spent all her time being so intentional, sending out inspirational quotes, and she created the prayer pack for our team.”

As her teammates struggled to make sense of her passing, many members of the community reached out wanting to help. The idea soon came to design a custom uniform to honor Aleya for the upcoming season. Donations poured in to help the team reach their goal and fulfill the promise they made to Aleya’s parents, Jason and Darla Brooks. A promise to continue the inspired legacy of their beautiful daughter.  

“Overall I’ve learned to thrive through difficulty.”

Who Aleya was, her heart and soul, her purpose, and her presence are reflected in new uniforms. “Grit '' is stitched on the skirts, so they can rub their nervous hands over that spot to remind them of Aleya’s encouragement. “Inhale faith, exhale fear” on the back of their tops, circling the mascot because Aleya  will always be with them. The colors, red and white, to honor her as well. They chose white, just like the National Championship Jackets, because together they are conquering more than just that title, and red because Aleya always signed her name with a heart. 

“Her mom always says she was just too good for this world,” said Ashley. “Her legacy will continue in the hearts of these girls.” 

“I aspire to display gritness for the next generation of cheerleaders.” -Aleya Brooks, journal entry

The team has created a website that honors Aleya and promises to continue to tell her story. You can visit it here.