Although the cheer team regularly supports university sports teams, some members feel that they don’t get that same support back.
On game days, the cheer team can be found under the basket, rooting for the basketball team, but their work extends past that. They practice six hours a week, do community appearances and fundraise.
“They have very heavy schedules,” head cheer coach Shalayne Richmond said. “They are students first. They have to work a part-time job, most of them. Some of them even have full-time jobs.”
Despite their efforts, the cheer team has faced many challenges, including budget cuts due to the COVID-19 pandemic.