Spartan athletic events wouldn’t be the same without the athletes that appear on the sidelines. The cheer team connects the fans to the action on the court and brings the hype to events like NAV1GATE. For UNCG, the cheerleaders personify school spirit and elevate each event they attend to a Spartan experience.
Let’s Get This Work
For athletes who cheer, participating on the team is always fun, but it’s also a lot of hard work.
First of all, try-outs are not for the weak of heart. Candidates must learn routines and cheers before tryouts, where skills like stunting, tumbling, jumps and chants are measured along with crowd appeal and interview scores. Judges submit scoresheets with a maximum score of 500 points.
“As the coach, I do not participate in judging,” says Liza Palazzi. “I take a hands-off approach to eliminate any perceived biases, and the team selection is based solely on scores. To make the team, the athletes need to score higher than 400 points.”
Team members are required to practice for two and a half hours, three times a week, and work out two additional days each week to prepare for games. The cheerleaders split home volleyball games with the dance team, but both teams participate in all home women’s and men’s basketball games throughout the season. In addition, the cheer team does various appearances on campus and out in the community.
“They participate in community service events and are consistently demonstrating what it means to be a well-rounded UNCG student, athlete, and citizen of the community in which they live,” Coach Palazzi explains.
A Spartan in Full
Being well-rounded comes second nature for the student athletes on the cheer team. They juggle studies with their practices and workouts, and most are also involved in full- or part-time work, campus organizations, and service initiatives.
“I like to keep my schedule full,” says cheerleader Ayla Thompson who is a full-time student, owns her own upcycling clothing business and manages social media for the cheer team. “When I have a lot on my plate, I’m more motivated to get things done.”
Despite their full schedules, members of the cheer team love representing UNCG and find the comradery of the group worth all the hard work they put in.
“Even though many people don’t see us as athletes, we strive to prove that we are,” says second-year social work major Maghen Wagner. “We are a close team that connects on more levels than just cheerleading.”
Meet a few of the cheer team’s star athletes for a glimpse into their lives on campus and what they enjoy most about UNCG and being a Spartan cheerleader:
Taylor Pouges
Fourth-year consumer, apparel and retail major
Activities: President of UNCG’s chapter of the National Retail Federation Student Association. Pouges has already accepted a position to work for TJX Companies as an allocation analyst after graduation.
“Spartan spirit is unique because everyone expresses themselves differently, but I love seeing everyone come together to show Spartan spirit at games. And I love having a front row seat to all our UNCG teams.”
Ayla Thompson
Fourth-year marketing and entrepreneurship double major
Activities: EcoThrifty, NRFSA, CEO Club’s Director of Media. Thompson has a part-time job at Chipotle, is the administrative and marketing assistant for Charlotte-based artist Elizabeth Palmisano, and runs her own business, Finds & Reminds, selling upcycled clothing to help reduce textile waste.
“Many of us are first-generation students, so it’s inspiring to be a part of a community that understands that drive and celebrates each other’s progress. We’re not only shaping our futures but also honoring the hard work and sacrifices that got us here and it’s very motivational.”
Alana Sandaire
Fourth-year kinesiology major
Activities: Lloyd International Honors College student, parliamentarian for Alpha Kappa Psi Professional Business fraternity. Sandaire has completed two kinesiology internships and volunteers with Greensboro Urban Ministry, Youth Focus, Inc. and Hope Academy.
“I love seeing the team’s growth throughout the season and building bonds with my teammates.”
Ava Garrison
Third-year business major
Activities: Tau Sigma and Omicron Delta Kappa honor societies, participant in the Bryan School’s Bronze Leadership Challege. Garrison also works full-time as a manager at Chipotle on Tate Street and volunteers at her church.
“Our campus is so diverse and full of character and beauty. I could not dream of being at another college. I love cheering with my best friends at the Greensboro Coliseum.”
Madison McMasters
Fourth-year elementary education major
Activities: UNCG Marshal, SGA representative. McMasters helps to coordinate service projects for the cheer team and is a kindergarten teaching intern.
“Don’t get me started about my joy for UNCG! I have been blessed to be surrounded by wonderful professors, friends, community, and opportunities. Something about cheering for the Spartans is so special! You just have to experience a game to feel the spirit that everyone has.”
Story by Becky Deakins, University Communications.
Photos by Sean Norona, University Communications. White background cheer portraits were submitted by athletes.
