Most people would say that football games are an important part of supporting their school and getting involved in the community. But not many students realize the intricacy involved in making a football game what it is. Many people would say that cheerleaders are the spirit of the game because their high energy gets everyone pumped up. The work that goes into their routines and chants, however, often goes unrecognized. When taking a closer look, it is clear how much work the ULM cheer team has put into developing their performance skills.
Alyssa Hodges, a freshman majoring in Business Management, is a flyer on the team under the coaching of Sammi Spivey. Hodges has dedicated her time and energy to ensuring that people have a high-quality experience during football games.
When asked about the dedication it takes to prepare for a game, Alyssa said, “The team has normal practices, but sometimes we stay until 11 o’clock at night and do the same stunts over and over again until it’s perfect.”
Struggling and celebrating together creates a family dynamic among the team that is no different from any other. For Alyssa, it takes true trust to throw herself from the top of a pyramid and know that there will be someone there to catch her. Hodges mentions that the team has scheduled practices for four days of the week and workouts on two of those days as well.
Hodges continues to say that the feeling of hitting a new stunt is an adrenaline rush and creates a sense of accomplishment for the entire group. Though it is only her first semester on the team, she has already built true friendships with her teammates, and it is because of this time spent together building something they can all be proud of.
ULM Alumni, Reagan Monnin, graduated in 2018 with a bachelor’s in health studies and offered her opinion on this topic as well. Being a former cheerleader in high school, she said, “Cheerleaders are where the spirit of the game begins. It’s not by accident that Alyssa was recruited because I know she puts her all into it every time she goes out on the field.”
If we take a look at the title of a Cheerleader, they truly are leaders. As someone who has known Alyssa personally for years, she is made to be a leader, and the privilege of being a cheerleader at ULM is yet another example of that. It’s more than just a position on the field, but a character trait and a testament to the work ethic it takes to get there.
Among all the hours Alyssa dedicates to this part of her life, her first love with always be Jesus. Through every moment of frustration, doubt, or accomplishment, Hodges ensures that God receives the glory for giving her those gifts.
Though Cheer is not considered Athletics, the strength and endurance it takes to be a part of this organization is something that should refrain from being swept under the rug. During the interview with Hodges, she said, “In high school, cheerleading was just the ‘Ra- Ra- Go team!’ But in college, it is hours of training to make sure we are representing ULM correctly.”
