CC Spirit Squad brings new energy to campus events | https://connected.ccis.edu/
CC Spirit Squad brings new energy to campus events | https://connected.ccis.edu/
CC Spirit Squad brings new energy to campus events
Some of the earliest risers at Columbia College bring the most energy.
The Spirit Squad enlivens the Southwell Athletic Complex during home basketball games – all while those same Cougar cheer and dance teams prepare for their first-ever competitions in February.
Shining in the spotlight requires commitment behind the scenes for the 20 student-athletes in the second-year program, which is comprised of 13 athletes in cheer and seven in dance. The combined roster size of the teams has grown since they were established ahead of the 2021-22 academic year.
“The sun is just coming up when we get here,” head competitive cheer coach Danniele Liles says about the program’s practices, which start around 6:30 a.m. and generally occur three or four days per week, in addition to strength and conditioning. “The lights are turning on for us. It’s a good start to the day.”
Liles spearheads the Spirit Squad alongside head competitive dance coach Amanda Roberts.
Their first priority when they were hired in March 2021 was to improve the atmosphere at Cougar men’s and women’s basketball games.
“Our first job was to come in and bring some of that extra sparkle,” Liles says.
There is more awareness and excitement on campus surrounding the Spirit Squad this year, says Annie Lemerande, dance team captain.
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