Bay High Cheerleader Samaria Peters Signs with West Florida

Commitment to the Gulf Coast

Samaria “Peanut” Peters has inked a deal to continue her cheer career at the University of West Florida after a standout senior season at Bay High. The commitment caps a year of rigorous training and personal growth for the high‑school star. Peters credited the journey to the challenging teams she has been on and the achievement of finishing seventh nationally. “It’s been really hard to get where I’m going now,” she reflected, highlighting the road ahead.

Her Bay High squad earned a spot at the national competition and captured seventh place, a milestone that defined the season. The national finish brought mixed feelings as the senior year concluded, with Peters describing an emotional farewell. “I was almost in tears, but I told myself I’d stay strong for my little girls,” she explained, noting the bittersweet nature of moving on. The image below captures the moment she officially committed to her new college program.

Peters started cheering at a young age but didn’t pursue it seriously until a best friend invited her to join the team as a freshman. By junior year, she began visualizing a future in college cheerleading after watching videos of aerial stunts and flyers. The desire to flip in the air and perform at a higher level solidified her plan to continue after graduation.

When evaluating colleges, West Florida stood out as the best fit among options like Troy. Peters noted that attending Troy’s stunt clinic left a strong impression, but her friend Chloe’s enthusiasm for the Gulf Coast school swayed her decision. “Why not go with her?” Peters said, indicating the influence of peers in her choice.

Other Local Signees

Bay High’s Kingsley Guidas also secured a spot on the University of North Florida cheer team, adding another notable departure for the school’s athletics program. Meanwhile, Mosley alum Raedyn Bruens has found his footing with Rutgers football, showcasing the region’s talent flowing to different conferences. These moves reflect the competitive landscape for area athletes seeking to advance their careers.