Thayer's Miley Johnston signs to Cheer at Lyon College

Senior standout leader inks commitment to continue academic and cheer career at private liberal arts college

Mar. 31, 2026 at 4:45pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting depicting a high school cheer competition, with overlapping planes of blue, red, and yellow conveying the raw athleticism and team spirit of the event.A dynamic, fragmented illustration captures the energy and movement of a high school cheer competition, reflecting the dedication and talent of athletes like Miley Johnston.Batesville Today

Miley Johnston, a four-year standout and leader for the Thayer Bobcat Cheer team, has officially signed her commitment to continue her academic and cheer career at Lyon College in Batesville, Arkansas. Johnston has earned numerous honors throughout her high school cheer career, including NCA All-American Nominee, Academic All-State, and various leadership awards.

Why it matters

Johnston's signing represents the culmination of her successful high school cheer career and the opportunity to continue competing at the collegiate level. Her commitment to Lyon College, a private liberal arts institution known for its strong academic environment, showcases how student-athletes can balance excellence in both academics and athletics.

The details

As a freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior, Johnston earned a long list of accolades, including NCA All-American Nominee, Academic All-State, Outstanding Leadership Award, Captain Award, Top Base Award, UCA All-American Nominee, and the Captain, Legacy, and Bobcat Awards. She helped lead Thayer to a third-place finish at the Kansas City Regional Co-Ed Cheer Competition and an eighth-place finish at the Class 1-3 State Cheer Competition.

  • Miley Johnston signed her commitment to Lyon College on March 31, 2026.
  • Johnston was a four-year standout and leader for the Thayer Bobcat Cheer team from 2022-23 to 2025-26 school years.

The players

Miley Johnston

A senior at Thayer High School who has been a four-year standout and leader for the Thayer Bobcat Cheer team, earning numerous honors and helping guide the team to success.

Lyon College

A private liberal arts college in Batesville, Arkansas, known for its small class sizes and strong academic environment, where Miley Johnston will continue her academic and cheer career.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Miley has been a cornerstone of our program throughout her career, and we're thrilled that she'll be able to continue her cheer journey at Lyon College.”

— Thayer Bobcat Cheer Coach

What’s next

Miley Johnston will begin her academic and cheer career at Lyon College in the fall of 2026.

The takeaway

Miley Johnston's signing with Lyon College showcases how student-athletes can excel both academically and athletically, balancing the demands of high-level competition with a strong commitment to their studies. Her success at the high school level and opportunity to continue competing in college is a testament to her hard work and dedication.