MOUNT VERNON, Ind. — Mt. Vernon High School Athletics is proud to announce that senior Avery Fritschle will continue her academic and athletic career at the University of Southern Indiana, where she will be a member of the Screaming Eagles cheerleading program. Avery’s signing represents a unique and outstanding accomplishment, as she will join an NCAA Division I spirit program that competes at a high level nationally. The USI cheer team is known for its rigorous training, including two-a-day practices leading into the highly competitive UCA & UDA College Cheer & Dance National Championships each January. A dedicated athlete, Avery brings over a decade of cheer experience to the next level. She has cheered for 11 years, including seven years in competitive cheer and four years representing Mt. Vernon High School. During her high school career, she earned four varsity letters and was recognized for her leadership and performance, including team honors such as group leader, team flyer award, and first-place finishes at both the Carmi “Cheering for a Cure” event and the PAC Cheerleading Championships with her stunt group . “Avery’s commitment, work ethic, and passion for cheer have set her apart,” said Mt. Vernon Athletic Director Leigh Latshaw. “She has embraced every opportunity to grow—not just as an athlete, but as a leader—and we are excited to see her continue that journey at the Division I level.” At USI, Avery plans to major in Elementary Education, with the possibility of adding Early Childhood Education as a second area of study. She chose USI for both its strong academic reputation in education and its competitive, family-oriented cheer program . The University of Southern Indiana competes in the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) at the NCAA Division I level, and its cheer program continues to build national recognition through strong performances at collegiate nationals. Signing Day Invitation Mt. Vernon High School invites the public to join in celebrating Avery’s accomplishment: Date: Friday, May 15, 2026 Time: 3:15 PM Location: Athletic Foyer, Mt. Vernon High School Friends, family, and community members are welcome to attend. Guests may enter through Circle Drive after the buses have left. This signing is a testament to the continued growth of Mt. Vernon’s athletic programs and the diverse opportunities available to student-athletes through dedication, passion, and a LevelUp mindset. Way to go, Avery!