TSU Cheer Makes History: Heading to Nationals for the First Time

By Mikekel Robinson|KTSU 2 News

The Texas Southern cheerleading team is counting down the days of preparation as the 2023 National Cheerleaders Association (NCA) Collegiate National Championship approaches.

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After years of energizing crowds from the sidelines, the Texas Southern University cheerleading squad is stepping into the national spotlight. For the first time in program history, the team is heading to Daytona Beach to compete at the national championships, marking a new era for the Tigers' spirit squad.

A Leader on the Sidelines

Emily Wilson, the team captain, has embraced her leadership role as TSU Cheer transitions to competitive performances.

“My leadership experience here at Texas Southern University has been great,” Wilson said. “I’ve learned how to communicate better with my other cheerleaders on the team. I’ve been able to communicate with the coach. I’ve been able to be a role model to everybody on the team.”

For graduate student Maurice Richards, one of the few male cheerleaders on the team, the transition to collegiate cheer was both exciting and unexpected.

“It’s really awesome,” Richards said. “Coming onto the team, I was kind of late, but the girls really embraced me. My role is being that muscle to help them do the stunts that they regularly do.”

Preparing for the Big Stage

TSU has traditionally showcased its talents through performances at games, pep rallies, and SWAC cheerleading competitions. However, this year’s trip to the national championship is a first.

“We haven’t been competing for a long time,” said alumna Sahia Bryant. “Most of our competition comes from battling across the court or across the field. We have participated in a few SWAC cheerleading championships and did pretty well, but this will be our first time competing on a national stage.”

The Rigors of Cheerleading

While many see cheerleading as a source of energy and entertainment, the athletes behind the pom-poms endure rigorous training schedules.

“The life of a cheerleader isn’t as easy as everyone thinks it is,” said senior Alaycia Fitzgerald. “We have long practices, games every weekend, random pep rallies, and stuff like that. So, it’s not as easy as everyone thinks.”

Junior Croix Carter, another male cheerleader on the team, emphasized the physical intensity of the sport.

“To be a male cheerleader, I feel like it’s fun,” Carter said. “It’s a very under-looked sport and position because a lot of people think it’s something that it’s not. It’s very strength-enduring—a lot of throwing.”

The Team Behind the Team

With over 20 members from diverse backgrounds and academic pursuits, maintaining team chemistry is just as crucial as perfecting stunts and routines. Senior Taylor Hudson spoke about the importance of teamwork and communication.

“Honestly, sometimes it is hard to stay positive on a bad day because it’s like a domino effect with attitudes,” Hudson said. “But most of the time, we hash it out—not fighting or anything—but we talk, sit down, and tell each other what we could do better. We cheer each other up.”

Junior Mya Wilson echoed those sentiments, emphasizing the importance of staying true to oneself.

“It’s very easy to get caught up in people trying to change you or get you to perfect every area,” Wilson said. “But as long as you bring what you can to the table and do your best, you’ll do perfectly fine.”

Representing TSU on a National Stage

For the TSU cheerleaders, this competition is about more than just trophies—it’s an opportunity to represent their university, showcase their athleticism, and prove that they belong on the national stage. As they prepare to make history, their journey underscores the resilience and dedication required in collegiate athletics—on and off the sidelines.