Get-To-Know: CU Cheerleading

Cheerleading is often overlooked as “just the spirit team”, but the reality of this sport is that it demands the same athleticism, discipline, and mental toughness as any other traditional sport. And the girls of CU Denver Cheerleading are fearless. Founded with heart and character by Nicole Bruce in 2021, Cheer has gained fast popularity within the community. As a coed team, today it stands strong with 22 dedicated athletes, built on fun, companionship, friendship, and sisterhood. It’s a community built for anyone and everyone to feel like they belong.  

Practices are held from 5-9 PM on Wednesdays. Every team member shows up hopeful for improvement and excited to strengthen their set and perform with the best that they have. Their practices start with a mile run and a team stretch, then transitioning into stunt time with stunt groups going over fundamentals and techniques, ending with choreography practice for whatever event is coming up. Choreography is typically written by their coaches, Nicole Bruce and Michelle Vasquez Loya, and sometimes with the help of the captains.  

With Nationals approaching fast, the Cheer team has been even more dedicated and focused than ever. This year, USA Cheer Nationals is held in Anaheim, California on February 21. The team flies out on the 19, and everyone is buzzing from excitement. Hoping to hit a Zero at competition, have some fun, and to take home some trophies.

Meet the team:

Chiara Garcia – President & Captain
Growing up, Chiara loved being a part of team sports, participating on Dance Team throughout high school, and other group sports. She loves the natural progression that came from individual effort and team effort, and seeing the team’s hard work pay off during competitions. So, when she arrived at CU Denver, she decided to try out for the Cheer team. Feeling the same energy and support shown by her fellow teammates, she fell in love with Cheer.

Courtney Barnett – Treasurer
Courtney started cheer in the 5^th grade, doing competitions, attending practices, and really learning what it meant to be a part of something big. Coming to CU Denver, she found out CU had a cheer team, which surprised her because CU isn’t exactly your traditional school. She loves the team and is committed to being there for all the girls.

Chloe Tollefson
Chloe came to CU Denver not thinking she’d join something like the Cheerleading squad. But, after making some friends on the team, they talked her into joining. Everyone was so nice and welcoming, creating this space that she felt she belonged to.

Briana Dowdell
Like Courtney, Briana grew up loving cheer. She is a transfer student, and when she came to CU Denver, she wanted to feel like she belonged. Looking for that community, she found CU Cheer. Making many friends on the team, Courtney found that piece that she was searching for when she first transferred to CU.

How to support:

CU Denver isn’t your typical college campus. And it can be tough for our LYNX Community to feel that campus engagement. CU Denver Cheer voices it is important to engage! Spread awareness of all clubs and groups on campus, and get involved.

To directly support CU Denver Cheerleading, please consider coming to a basketball game, an off campus event, or if you see the team on campus, come say “hi!”. CU Cheer hopes you’ll show your support as they head off to Nationals next week ��

Follow CU Denver Cheerleading on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cudenvercheer/