At Minot Air Force Base, a group of young cheerleaders are proving that resilience, teamwork, and spirit aren’t just for the field—they’re qualities that help them navigate the unique challenges of military life. Sadie Sharp, Sawyer Sharp, Addi Bannon, Teagan Bannon and Xander Baron excelled in the Rebel Athletics of Minot cheerleading program while balancing school, family life, and the demands of growing up in a military community.
Recently, these cheerleaders had the opportunity to compete at the Best of the Midwest 2025 competition in Fargo, North Dakota, on January 18, 2025, where the Mini Team took 4th place. The Mini Team at Rebel Athletics of Minot ranges from ages six to nine years old as well as skill level ability. Despite the challenges that come with frequent relocations and long separations from deployed parents, their passion for cheerleading has become a powerful outlet for connection and personal growth.
Rising Stars: Sadie and Sawyer Sharp
Sisters Sadie and Sawyer Sharp, daughters of Technical Sergeant Jeffrey Sharp assigned to the 891st Missile Security Forces Squadron and Taylor Sharp, are shining examples of the dedication and spirit that define military families. Sadie, 9 years old, began cheerleading at the age of 6 while her family was stationed at Maxwell Air Force Base in Alabama. She trains twice a week for two hours, in addition to practicing at home. Despite being nervous about her first competition, Sadie found comfort when she saw that the crowd was not as large as she had expected. “I was a little nervous at first, but when I saw the size of the crowd, I felt more relaxed,” she shared. Sadie hopes to continue cheering and dreams of joining her high school cheer team one day.
Her younger sister, Sawyer, 6 years old, is in her second year of cheerleading and has already advanced to the Mini Level, where she is one of the youngest members of the team. Unlike her sister, Sawyer was not nervous at all during her first competition at the Best of the Midwest. “I’m excited to keep training and perfect my nugget stunt,” Sawyer said, eager to build on her skills.
Their mother, Taylor Sharp, reflected on the experience, sharing how the competition gave her daughters a boost in confidence. “The competition allowed them to see their hard work put into practice and see the results of all the training they have had to do,” she said.
Addi and Teagan Bannon: A Newcomer with Big Goals
Addi Bannon, 7, and Teagan Bannon, 4, daughters of Staff Sergeant Andrew Bannon assigned to the 891st Missile Security Forces Squadron and Skylar Bannon, are a newer addition to the cheerleading team at Rebel Athletics of Minot but have quickly become part of the Rebel Athletics of Minot family. After arriving at Minot AFB from Eglin AFB, Florida, just five months ago, the girls quickly embraced their new environment and are thriving in the sport.
Having cheered since she was 4 years old, Addi loves the excitement of competitions. “My favorite part of cheerleading is performing and having fun while doing it,” she said. In addition to the four hours of cheerleading practice, Addi attends a tumbling class at Rebel Athletics of Minot to help improve her skills. Her mother, Skylar Bannon, is proud of how much Addi has grown over the past few years. “She’s improved so much, and I’m excited to see her continue to develop her skills,” Skylar said. Addi’s goal for the upcoming season is to perfect her back handspring and to take first place in next year’s competition. Teagan Bannon is in her first year of cheer and at her young age is part of the Tiny Team which ranges from ages three to six years old.
Xander Baron: A New Cheerleader with Big Ambitions
Xander Baron, 6, daughter of Master Sergeant Bryan Baron assigned to the 5th Maintenance Squadron and Jordan Baron, has been part of the Rebel Athletics of Minot cheer team for the past year. This competition marked her first as a cheerleader. “My favorite part of cheerleading is practicing and working hard to be able to perform—and of course, the glitz!” Xander said. She loved the Best of the Midwest competition, particularly watching all the other teams and being proud to showcase the team’s hard work.
Xander is also involved in other sports, including golf, and will soon be starting soccer. Her goal for the future is to continue working on her tumbling skills and help her team secure a first-place finish and a grand champion title at the next competition. Her mother, Jordan Baron, believes that putting military children into sports in the community opens up more opportunities for connections and travel.
These young cheerleaders exemplify the many military families who are embracing cheerleading as an outlet for growth, connection, and community in Minot, North Dakota. Their stories reflect the resilience, teamwork, and spirit that define military families, who must balance the demands of service with the importance of staying connected to one another and their communities.
As these young cheerleaders continue to grow and develop their skills, they will undoubtedly remain an inspiration to others in the military community, proving that no matter where life takes them, they always have a team to cheer them on.
