Newly crowned Miss Macon Elise Higgins is using her title to advocate for mental health resources for student-athletes and representation for female athletes.

Higgins, a Columbus native and graduate of Columbus State University, moved to Macon in January to serve as the Head Competitive Cheer Coach at Wesleyan College.

She said her experience as a competitive cheerleader helped inspire her community service initiative, “Let’s Talk About It: The Women Behind the Sport.”

“I advocate for mental health resources for student athletes and representation for female athletes,” Higgins said.

Higgins said she experienced verbal and psychological abuse from her coach while she was a collegiate cheerleader. She said that experience influenced her decision to become a coach herself.

Read more at WMGT41.