Abby Nickerson: ‘Put in the Work and Your Dreams Will Follow!’

Read the headline. OK, one more time.

Sure, it’s a mantra. Something of the shortest motivational speech of all time, actually. But, yes, this young lady, a native of Brooke County and a graduate student at West Virginia University, earnestly believes if any individual walks the walk, they inevitably and justifiably earn the right to talk the talk.

She wholeheartedly believes this premise because Abby Nickerson is literally walking and talking proof that an honest-to-goodness, hard-core work ethic pays definitive dividends. She earned her undergraduate degree early – yes, while living in Morgantown – at the same time she’s managed her side life as a Mountaineer cheerleader, and today she’ll be right back on the field at Milan Puskar Stadium rooting for WVU to defeat Big 12 opponent Texas Tech.

She’s now living her wish-upon-a-star reality, a particular goal Nickerson adopted as a student-athlete at Weirton-Madonna High School before she was graduated in 2019. That does not mean, though, she’s left her hometown in the Mountain State’s Northern Panhandle in the dust. Truth be told, nothing could be further from the truth.

Abby wants to work in the medical field, you see, to care for others when her high-flying days in the blue-and-gold limelight are complete, and she’s proud to serve as a role model for those wishing to follow her footsteps all the way to Mountaineer Field.

That’s because Abby Nickerson is proof dreams can come true.

In what restaurant in Morgantown do you believe you’ve eaten the most?

Los Mariachis because who doesn’t love some good Mexican food? I am also a huge fan of Mountain Mamas for some great bar food.

You have loved cheering since your days as a high school student at Weirton Madonna. Why?

I have always loved everything about cheering, from games to practices and learning new skills. I still get the same thrill every time I step out on the field for pregame just as I did my very first time. I love the energy on the field, the opportunities to meet WVU fans, and travel across the country representing WVU. Cheerleading is more than just cheering for the Mountaineers on game days.

As a WVU cheerleader, I have the opportunity to be a role model for future Mountaineers who look up to me. I’ve always enjoyed the appearances where we get to engage with students and the community.

What advice would you offer a high school cheerleader if they wanted to follow in your footsteps?

Put in the work and your dreams will follow!

I have always been the type of person who has dreams and aspirations. I put my mind to something, hold myself accountable, and do not stop until I achieve it. Work, work, and work. Our team is Coed and I had never Coed stunted when I made the decision to try out.

I looked for places that offered privates and camps and that is where I got started. Do not be afraid to reach out to current Cheerleaders to ask for advice. We are more than happy to help you achieve your goal!

Was winning the “Backyard Brawl” everything you hoped for?

Winning the “Backyard Brawl” in Milan Puskar Stadium was the experience of a lifetime! It was the best college football atmosphere that I have been part of. I have had the opportunity to travel to many Big 12 and non-conference schools and no one did it quite like the 60,000 fans in Morgantown last Saturday.

Mountaineer Nation played a huge role in keeping the atmosphere high energy the whole game. Besides winning, some of my favorite parts of the game were leading the crowd in “Let’s Go Mountaineers,” singing “Sweet Caroline,” and, of course, “Country Roads.”

Once your education is complete in Morgantown, what’s next for you?

After completing my MBA, I plan to apply to (Physician Assistant) School at WVU and eventually practice in the rural areas of our beautiful state. I am passionate about exercise as medicine and throughout my journey in EXPH, I have grown in this field and feel confident that I can make a difference in the healthcare field by enforcing exercise as medicine throughout my career.

WVU has shaped me into the person I am today, and I will forever be grateful for that fact.