Get to Know Incoming University of West Georgia Cheerleader, Delilah Clarke

Name: Delilah Clarke

Hometown: Johnstown, Pennsylvania

High School: Bishop McCort Catholic High School

Sport: Cheerleading

Position: Flier

Cheerleading Accolades: Three District 6 titles, three D2 Summit Titles, two PIAA state titles, and two national championship titles

Commitment: Committed to be a Division I cheerleader at the University of West Georgia (UWG). The West Georgia Wolves will be members of NCAA Division I and the Atlantic Sun Conference beginning next academic year. The institution is home to just under 13,000 students and is located in Carrollton, Georgia.

Why She Chose West Georgia: “It has been a long time dream to be a Division I cheerleader, and being a cheerleader at UWG was also something I hoped was possible since my sophomore year. I first visited there during a clinic two summers ago. I talked to the coaches a little bit and really liked the atmosphere surrounding the program. I visited again towards the end of the next summer and received an invite to tryouts. A little bit after tryouts in December, I got the offer to be a part of the program. What ultimately made me choose UWG is the family atmosphere. Finding a family at college is very important to me because I am going to be 12 hours away from home. The UWG program is run by a husband and wife (Nicole and Brian Nichols) and their three little kids are constantly in the gym. The feeling of home is truly there. The success the program had also pulled me in, but overall, the way that every single athlete there has a welcoming heart did it for me. Everytime I visit UWG, girls offer for me to stay at their apartment, to stunt, to show me around campus, to go get food, and just spend time with me. They are the type of girls I want to surround myself with. Three girls in particular have welcomed me with such open arms in Aaliyah Washington, Jada Gibson, and Carly Pender. Not only are they my friends, but they are great role models to me. I learn something new from them every time I am in Carrollton. This whole process still does not always feel real to me. I still wake up sometimes and am in shock when I see a message from the UWG group chat. I am so excited to see what the future holds!”

Intended Majors: Business Marketing and Journalism

Top Cheerleading Memory: “One of my top memories of my athletic career is winning nationals my junior year of high school. We came off a season of failing to advance to the second round. Our mindset changed once we saw how much talent we have together the next season. The motto for the year was “Trust the Process”. Once we got to nationals the next season, we were in one of the biggest divisions at the competition and had great competition around us. When they announced our name for first place, I don’t think I’ve ever felt that proud before. When they announced us as winners, I really gave it all to God. Junior year nationals really was a turning point for me in my entire life. It was the light at the end of the tunnel. It showed me that I have value, that hard work pays off, and God is very good!” Turning Point in Her Faith Journey: “My connection with the Lord started to get serious and consistent during my sophomore year of high school. This was a time in which my mother (Antoinette Orlosky) was experiencing medical issues and I could feel that my relationship with him grew and became a better one since then. I also think one thing that’s helped me grow in my relationship with God is our prayer each day before practice. It’s helped me grow in my faith as well as to the people around me in the cheerleading program” Her Support System: The first person I want to recognize is my mother. My mother is the reason I fell in love with cheerleading. She helped me get started at the age of three. Ever since then, she has been my biggest supporter, my shoulder to cry on, an ear to listen to, and the first hug right after a triumph. My mother wholeheartedly shaped the mindset I have in cheerleading. She never casted any doubt that I could achieve my goals. I also want to recognize John Walker, my high school cheerleading coach. He was and will always be more than a coach. The way he cares for us athletes is something you don’t always find everywhere. He has been one of the biggest supporters of me in and out of the gym. He pushed me to challenge myself which led to positive results. Sometimes I trust him more than I trust myself. Having this bond with him or any coach I compete for is very important, and Coach John 100 understands that. I know he will only be a phone call or text away when I am in Georgia.” Thoughts About Winning the Outstanding Young Women (OYW) 2024 for Cambria County: “This program is a pretty big deal in Cambria and Somerset counties and young women have to wait until they’re senior year to participate. The only way to participate is to be nominated and then selected. The program has given me much more than expected. It’s helped me enhance my public speaking skills, interview skills, time management, group-work skills, and so much more. I was blessed to be chosen for this contest and scholarship program and did not expect to win. During the program process, I could feel both my and the fellow young women’s confidence grow. OYW has helped my athlete performance also by giving me confidence and ways to calm myself down before and during competition. Winning Outstanding Young Women taught me so much that will help me with my future and I’m grateful for the scholarship and the experience I had.”