On Wednesday, May 20, 2026, Pennsbury seniors Rylee Liston & Kelsey Somers were recognized for committing to continue their cheerleading careers at the collegiate level. (Photos courtesy of Jessica Naumenko/Pennsbury High School)
“It has been a pleasure to coach both Rylee and Kelsey for the last several years,” Pennsbury coach Nicole Lawrence. “We won a national championship this season and Kelsey and Rylee were integral parts of the team’s success. They were positive, they are incredibly athletic. We looked to them in tough moments, and they always rose to the occasion. They were a joy to coach, and my only regret is that I wish I had longer with them. I wish them the best in their college career, and I can’t wait to watch them shine.”
Rylee Liston – Rowan University (Cheerleading)
Major: Exercise Science
Final list of colleges: Rowan, West Chester, Millersville, The College of New Jersey (TCNJ)
Reasons for choosing Rowan: “Rowan met my expectations career-wise and offered an amazing PT program for after college and also was a welcoming atmosphere. The students and staff as well as the campus felt like home.”
Pennsbury coach Nicole Lawrence: “I have had the privilege of coaching Rylee throughout her high school cheerleading career, and watching her grow from a JV athlete into a varsity captain has
been incredibly special. Rylee is a perfect example of trusting the process. She has spent four years pouring her heart into this program, always willing to work, learn, and get better. The athlete and leader she is today didn’t happen by accident. It is the result of years of consistency, determination, and a genuine love for Pennsbury cheerleading.
“Rylee is a natural leader who leads with confidence, humility, and heart. She isn’t afraid to speak up when her team needs direction, and her teammates trust her enough to come to her when they need someone to listen. She truly lives out our belief of ‘team > me’ and is always willing to do what is best for the team, whether or not she gets the recognition. As an athlete, Rylee never settles. She will perfect a motion, push her stunt group until a skill hits the way she knows it can, and even as a senior, she continues to challenge herself with new tumbling skills. She is always looking for the next way to get better.
“What I admire most about Rylee is how much she has genuinely valued being a part of this program. She has never treated a practice, game, competition, or community event like an obligation. She shows up, she is reliable, and she gives her best because being a Pennsbury cheerleader truly means something to her. Watching her journey from JV to varsity captain has been one of the great privileges of coaching her, and I know the leadership, determination, and heart she has shown here will stay with her long after she leaves Pennsbury.”
About Rylee:
Favorite food: Chipotle Burrito Bowl
Favorite TV show: Gilmore Girls
Favorite music: Pop, Hip Hop
Kelsey Somers – Elmira College (Cheerleading)
Major: Undecided
Final list of colleges: Elmira, West Chester, St. Joseph’s, Misericordia
Reasons for choosing Elmira: “I really liked the size of the college and the benefits that come with the small size of it. The main reason I chose Elmira was for the cheer program because it fits everything I was looking for in a cheer team, including coaches.”
What was the progression that led you to competing in cheer at the collegiate level? “I always knew my goal was to cheer in college since my freshman year, so I started attending college prep cheer clinics and talking to coaches very early on.
“The recruiting process started by looking into college teams and attending clinics as early as this past fall and the spring of 2025. It took me a while to find the right team for me, but once I was recruited by Elmira, I knew I made the right choice.”
Pennsbury coach Nicole Lawrence: “I have had the privilege of coaching Kelsey for the past three seasons, and she is the kind of athlete every coach hopes to have in their program.
“My first experience coaching Kelsey came when she was on JV. After the varsity lost an athlete
mid-season, we made the decision to permanently move a JV athlete up. Kelsey stepped into that role so seamlessly that I knew we had made the right choice. From that moment on, it was clear she was going to make a lasting impact on Pennsbury Cheer.
“Kelsey is incredibly driven and constantly strives to be her best. Her ability to watch film, identify mistakes, analyze what needed to improve, and return even stronger is remarkable. She has always embraced our program’s motto of ‘Team > Me,’ consistently putting the success of the team ahead of herself. Kelsey was the recipient of Pennsbury Cheerleading’s Best Main Award for two consecutive seasons, a testament to her consistency, work ethic, and technical excellence. She is strong, precise, and the type of athlete who is always asking for one more rep. Her heart is so big, and she gives her all into everything she does.
“I have always known that high school cheerleading wouldn’t be the end of Kelsey’s journey because her passion for the sport runs too deep. When she shared that she was interested in Elmira College, I was excited for her. Elmira College has an outstanding cheerleading program, and I knew she would thrive there. It came as no surprise when she was officially recruited. I look forward to following Kelsey’s continued cheer journey. We can only hope to have more athletes like Kelsey come through Pennsbury Cheer in the years to come.”
About Kelsey:
Favorite food: Chipotle
Favorite movie: Aquamarine
Favorite artist: Megan Moroney
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