By: Amanda McDonald
2016 Senior Cheerleader 

I would give just about anything to go back to the days where Saturdays were dedicated to pom poms, being tossed 20 feet into the air, and flipping field side.

The four years that I cheered on the Gamecocks were the best four years of my life. For me, college cheerleading was the most incredible experience and I will forever cherish the memories I made at the University of South Carolina. Whatever team you choose to cheer for, you’ll find that the stadium becomes your home and the team your extended family. No matter the score, you’ll always be a die-hard fan and will never stop supporting your alma mater.



Home for me is Williams Brice Stadium. Where the fan base created one of the most unique game day atmospheres in the country. I’ll never forget my first pregame entrance that takes place before every football game. The moment the band began playing, I could feel the base of the drums pounding through the stadium floors, and over the loud speakers, Steve Spurrier’s voice yelling, “It’s time for Carolina Football!” That beat and that voice continued to pump me up at the start of every game.

Nothing compares to the feeling tumbling down the field with the football team behind us, as fireworks exploded above. Even after the game began the adrenaline rush never stopped. Every time we scored sandstorm roared over the speaker, causing 85,000 fans to jump to their feet, spinning their rally towels above their head. Next was my favorite tradition, which was the Gamecocks Cheer. One side yells “GAME” while the other side yells back “COCKS!” The sound and energy during that tradition compares to nothing else.


I would give just about anything to go back to the days where Saturdays were dedicated to pom poms, being tossed 20 feet into the air, and flipping field side. It wasn’t until my cheering days came to an end that I realized how important they were to me. The biggest thing I learned being a college cheerleader is to cherish every moment you have in that uniform. It was a second skin to me, and no other uniform (in the workplace or team attire) can rival that fit. So choose a school whose uniform will mesh perfectly to your persona and whose stadium will become your home. It will shape who you are, and make memories that you’ll cherish forever.

Tips for Rookie Cheerleaders:

1. Be confident in everything you do. Continue to work hard and never settle for the skills you have
3. Manage your time wisely because you will have a busy schedule 
4. Love and appreciate your fans because they appreciate you 
5. Represent your school in the best way you can forever and always