Spartan athletic events wouldn’t be the same without the athletes that appear on the sidelines. The cheer team connects the fans to the action on the court and brings the hype to events like NAV1GATE. For UNCG, the cheerleaders personify school spirit and elevate each event they attend to a Spartan experience. 

Let’s Get This Work 

For athletes who cheer, participating on the team is always fun, but it’s also a lot of hard work.  

First of all, try-outs are not for the weak of heart. Candidates must learn routines and cheers before tryouts, where skills like stunting, tumbling, jumps, and chants are measured along with crowd appeal and interview scores. Judges submit scoresheets with a maximum score of 500 points.  

“As the coach, I do not participate in judging,” says Liza Palazzi. “I take a hands-off approach to eliminate any perceived biases, and the team selection is based solely on scores. To make the team, the athletes must score more than 400 points.” 

Team members are required to practice for two and a half hours three times a week and work out two additional days each week to prepare for games. The cheerleaders split home volleyball games with the dance team, but both teams participate in all home women’s and men’s basketball games throughout the season. In addition, the cheer team makes various appearances on campus and in the community.  

“They participate in community service events and consistently demonstrate what it means to be a well-rounded UNCG student, athlete, and citizen of the community in which they live,” Coach Palazzi explains.  

A Spartan in Full 

Being well-rounded is second nature for the cheer team’s student-athletes. They juggle studies with their practices and workouts, and most are also involved in full—or part-time work, campus organizations, and service initiatives.  

“I like to keep my schedule full,” says cheerleader Ayla Thompson, who is a full-time student, owns her own upcycling clothing business and manages social media for the cheer team. “When I have a lot on my plate, I’m more motivated to get things done.” 

Despite their full schedules, members of the cheer team love representing UNCG and find the comradery of the group worth all the hard work they put in.  

“Even though many people don’t see us as athletes, we strive to prove that we are,” says second-year social work major Maghen Wagner. “We are a close team that connects on more levels than just cheerleading.” 

Meet a few of the cheer team’s star athletes for a glimpse into their lives on campus and what they enjoy most about UNCG and being a Spartan cheerleader: 

Taylor Pouges

Fourth-year consumer, apparel and retail studies major 

Activities: President of UNCG’s chapter of the National Retail Federation Student Association. Pouges has already accepted a position to work for TJX Companies as an allocation analyst after graduation. 

“Spartan spirit is unique because everyone expresses themselves differently, but I love seeing everyone come together to show Spartan spirit at games. And I love having a front-row seat to all our UNCG teams.” 

Ayla Thompson 

Fourth-year marketing and entrepreneurship double major 

Activities:  EcoThrifty, NRFSA, CEO Club’s Director of Media. Thompson has a part-time job at Chipotle, is the administrative and marketing assistant for Charlotte-based artist Elizabeth Palmisano, and runs her own business, Finds & Reminds, selling upcycled clothing to help reduce textile waste. 

“Many of us are first-generation students, so it’s inspiring to be a part of a community that understands that drive and celebrates each other’s progress. We’re not only shaping our futures but also honoring the hard work and sacrifices that got us here, and it’s very motivational.” 

Alana Sandaire 

Fourth-year kinesiology major 

Activities: Lloyd International Honors College student, parliamentarian for Alpha Kappa Psi Professional Business fraternity. Sandaire has completed two kinesiology internships and volunteers with Greensboro Urban Ministry, Youth Focus, Inc., and Hope Academy.

“I love seeing the team’s growth throughout the season and building bonds with my teammates.” 

Ava Garrison 

Third-year business major 

Activities:  Tau Sigma and Omicron Delta Kappa honor societies, a participant in the Bryan School’s Bronze Leadership Challenge. Garrison also works full-time as a manager at Chipotle on Tate Street and volunteers at her church. 

“Our campus is so diverse and full of character and beauty. I could not dream of being at another college. I love cheering with my best friends at the Greensboro Coliseum.” 

Madison McMasters 

Fourth-year elementary education major 

Activities: UNCG Marshal, SGA representative. McMasters helps coordinate service projects for the cheer team and is a kindergarten teaching intern.  

“Don’t get me started about my joy for UNCG! I have been blessed to be surrounded by wonderful professors, friends, community, and opportunities. Something about cheering for the Spartans is so special! You just have to experience a game to feel the spirit that everyone has.” 

Story by Becky Deakins, University Communications.
Photos by Sean Norona, University Communications. White background cheer portraits were submitted by athletes.