Isaac Harder Signs With University Of Kentucky Cheer Program
Photo Submitted
Isaac Harder signed with the UK Cheer program in front of UK Head Coash Ryan O’Conner, left, and his coaches from Kentucky Spirit Athletics, Madi Kasner and Madison Yee.
Wesley Bird
Herald Staff
wesley@harrodsburgherald.com
Mercer County is sending their first male cheerleader to college with Isaac Harder heading to the University of Kentucky (UK) Cheer program.
Like his three older sisters and older brother, Harder grew up playing soccer for the Titans, but in his sophomore year of high school he decided to step away. Looking for a change his friend Makayla Releford recommended cheer and the rest is history.
Harder split time cheering for the Titans and his competition team, Cheerville Athletics Kryptonite based out of Harrodsburg. He spent time on Cheerville’s level 3 Co-ed Team which placed second at the Allstar worlds Competition in Orlando, Florida, last year.
The University of Kentucky cheer program is on its own level with 24 national championships and has represented America in multiple Olympics. It is considered one of if not the best program in the country.
“As an athlete and a person, we can’t just wait for someone to give us directions or tell us what to do; we have to put in our own work and our own self motivation” said Harder when asked what got him to this point. It shows with the extra reps and stunts Harder practices with his free time to perfect his skills at the All-star gym.
He wasn’t alone on this journey giving credit to coaches, teammates and his family for their advice and guidance along with his head coach Madi Kasner. Kasner owns Kentucky Spirit Athletics in Harrodsburg and coached Harder in his senior season. “Without her I wouldn’t even of had the confidence to walk on campus, she made me believe in myself” said Harder.
