#GirlsandWomeninSports

Submitted by Taran Swimmer

Last year during the 2024 spring soccer season, the Cherokee Lady Braves varsity soccer team honored Cynthia Saunooke. Cynthia was a freshman who tragically passed away due to mental health issues the fall before spring season. She had planned to play for the JV soccer team before her passing. To honor her memory, Cherokee participated in a mental health night hosted by Swain County, who honored their athletic trainer, Carrie Powell, who also passed away that year. Both teams and coaches came together before the game to bring awareness on the issue of mental health, and honor two amazing women whose lives were lost too soon. (Photo credit: Joanna Mcmahan, and Taran Swimmer)