Russell Christian Academy cheerleader Olivia Faulkner signs with South Alabama Thursday morning in the school’s chapel.

Russell Christian Academy’s Olivia Faulkner, a self-professed beach and cheerleading enthusiast, will have her share of both over the next four years.

At a Thursday ceremony at Russell Christian’s chapel, Faulkner, joined by parents Trey and Mary Carlet, sister Malley Chase and cheer coach Judy McQueen, signed her national letter of intent to cheer for the University of South Alabama.

“I toured at South Alabama, and I loved it the first day I went,” Faulkner said. “And then I went to a clinic, and I loved the coach and the program they had going, so I just knew that’s where I wanted to be.”

Faulkner wavered between the University of Mobile and South Alabama, as both schools offered her scholarships. However, she developed a rapport with Jaguars cheer coach Bre Kucera. South Alabama’s proximity to the beach didn’t hurt, either.

“I love the cheerleading coach, Coach Bre, and I loved the area of the school,” Faulkner said. “It’s in Mobile, and it’s 30 minutes from the beach, and that’s my favorite thing.”

Faulkner might not be on campus yet, but she already has complied a list of goals she hopes to accomplish athletically and academically for the Jaguars. She currently boasts a 3.86 grade-point average and aspires to pursue nursing as a major.

“I want to be chosen to be on the nationals team that will compete at Disney World next year,” she said. “And I also want to continue to have good grades, like I do in high school, and manage to balance and do both.”

Although Faulkner’s cheerleading talents afforded her a scholarship, she was also a star basketball player at Russell Christian. Earlier last season, she scored the 1,000th point of her prep career.

Faulkner transferred to Russell Christian from Newton County Academy during her sophomore year, but immediately fit in at her new home. As much was evident Thursday when classmates and coaches in Russell Christian’s chapel attended to show their support. Faulkner said her experience as a Lady Warrior is one she’ll remember fondly.

“I’ll miss my coach, Miss Judy, and Danielle (West), my best friend,” Faulkner said. “Miss Judy has made an amazing impact on my life, and she’s done much for me that she didn’t have to do, and has always gone out of her way for me the past three years I’ve been here.”