Spirit Squad Spotlight: Cheer Team Seniors
10/31/2014 12:00:00 AM | Spirit Department
The Michigan spirit squads are loaded with students who are committed to wearing the block M with pride. They represent the Wolverines on the sidelines at Michigan Stadium, courtside at Crisler Center, and in their own annual national competitions. They dedicate long hours at practice and are always there to support their fellow student-athletes.
Leading up to Senior Day on Nov. 22 when football hosts Maryland, MGoBlue.com will be profiling the seniors who selflessly perform for the Maize and Blue. In this series, you will meet the dedicated student-athletes who will graduate soon and go on to truly embody what it means to be the leaders and best.
Hometown: Romulus, Mich.
Major: History
Hobbies: Listening to music, drawing, playing bass guitar, singing, hanging out with friends, and cleaning to relax
How did you first get involved with cheer?
I first joined the Michigan cheer team in the fall of my sophomore year. One of the team members back then, Alex Trujillo, was a good friend of mine and he told me that I should come to open tryouts and give stunting a try. At the time I was still in the Marching Band and didn't think I would like cheerleading but after stunting for the first time, I quickly fell in love.
Why did you join the Michigan cheer team?
Personally, I love working towards goals and cheerleading introduces a plethora of little goals, or achievements, that makes it exciting
Who is your role model?
My father. He has continually proven time and time what it takes to be successful and a great father. I only wish to be half the man he is today, because that means I'd be pretty awesome.
What is your dream job?
I really want to be a rock star in an awesome indie rock band, but also I wouldn't mind being a trainer for a sports team.
Who is in your Twitter avatar with you?
Kevin Waterman (teammate) is technically included in my Twitter avatar, but I cropped him out. Mimi Conley (teammate) and Grant Peterson (coach) are in my Instagram avatar, and once again Kevin is cropped out -- haha!
What is one quirk people do not know about you?
I was in the Michigan Marching Band for three years (2011-13).
Favorites
» Class: Music Performance 300: Video Game Music Composition.This was by far one of the most interesting classes that I have taken. Learning about the history of sound in video games, as well as having the opportunity to talk with famous composers in class, made it stand out. I have a deep passion for music and although it may not be my focus in school, it is definitely a critical part of my existence.
» Study Spot: The Stephen M. Ross Academic Center, it's the one place on campus where I can really buckle down and focus on my studies.
» Food: Bread crumb macaroni and cheese -- ever since my mom made it for the first time when I was in high school, it has continued to be one of my favorite foods.
» Song to Karaoke: "See You Around" by Chris Brown from his new album "X". Although I don't know all the words yet, if you ask any of my housemates they will verify that I always can be found belting out some C Breezy in my room.
» TV Show: American Horror Story and the Walking Dead. I really don't watch TV because I don't want to add anymore distractions throughout the week, but in the fall I always make time for those two shows.
» Book: Currently, my favorite book is Beloved by Toni Morrison. I just really loved how creepy it was and how the imagery described in the text transforms in my mind.
» Athlete: Emmitt Smith. Growing up I was a huge Dallas Cowboys fan, and I still am today. Emmitt Smith is my favorite athlete because of the energy he brought to the Cowboys and my dad really respected him which led me to do the same.
» U-M Memory: Being in New Orleans for New Year's, and then being on the field when we won the Sugar Bowl. Definitely one of the best trips I have been on.
Hometown: Stockton, Calif.
Major: Psychology
Hobbies: Dancing, skiing, reading
How did you first get involved with cheer?
I started when I was really young, and when I quit gymnastics in high school, I got more serious about cheer.
Why did you join the Michigan cheer team?
I knew I wanted to cheer in college. Michigan stood out to me because of its traditions as well as the focus on leaders and best in academics and athletics.
Who is your role model?
Melissa Galvin because she followed her dreams and opened up a successful dance studio and is currently battling breast cancer for the second time -- she is staying strong and still dancing and coaching.
What is your dream job?
Sports psychologist for the Green Bay Packers.
Who is in your Twitter avatar with you?
A really cute golden retriever.
What is one quirk people do not know about you?
I hate a dirty sink and will clean every dish in the sink because it bugs me so much.
Favorites
» Class: Addictive Behaviors because it is an interesting topic and extremely relevant to society today.
» Study Spot: The Dude (Duderstadt Center) because it is never crowded and much quieter.
» Food: BBQ chicken wraps because I love BBQ sauce.
» Athlete: Aaron Rodgers because he is from northern California like me and is the quarterback of my favorite NFL team, the Green Bay Packers.
» TV Show: Currently Nashville, but I also love Gilmore Girls.
» Musician: Ed Sheeran
» Book: 19 Minutes by Jodi Picoult because it is a great book and I can re-read it.
» Building on Campus: The Law Library because it reminds me of Harry Potter.
» Place to Visit: Lake Tahoe because I can ski in the winter and have fun on the lake in the summer -- plus it's just beautiful there.
Previous Spotlights
• Oct. 27, 2014 (Nate Janes, Annie Dreisbach)
• Oct. 21, 2014 (Brandon Kittle, Carlin Delisi)
• Oct. 13, 2014 (Chris Fraga, Cassandra Gelov)
