WASHINGTON - The Gallaudet University winter cheerleading program had the opportunity to honor its three graduating seniors on Wednesday night on Padden Court in the Field House during the Bison basketball doubleheader.
The team honored their senior class before the start of the women's basketball game against Penn College.
Gallaudet's winter cheerleading seniors include; Marlena Rauber (Rochester, N.Y.), Isabelle Taveras (New York, N.Y.) and Renae Thigpen (Hampton, Ga.).
Gallaudet cheerleading head coach Tara Miles along with assistant coach Shea Jefferson Strain and the other members of the winter cheer squad put the spotlight on the three graduating seniors.
Coach Miles shared the following about the winter cheerleading senior class:
These three cheerleaders are probably one of the most committed cheerleaders. Even as they plan their graduation, they are already thinking of ways of how they can stay in the city and support the team next year. It takes a lot of guts, talent, and technique to be a cheerleader and they have shown just that. Not only do they have skills in chants, stunts, and dance, but they also have a heart for cheerleading. Renae initially only wanted to be a manager for the team. She turned out to be so much more than just a manager, she even made sure she was cleared to practice just so that she could learn how to stunt! It was awesome to be able to include her as both a cheerleader and manager. Isabelle is our team captain and an exceptional leader. She strongly believes in team bonding and feeling safe with each other because everyone knows that stunting and feeling comfortable with your team is a big part of cheerleading. Marlena is an exceptional cheerleader. She knows all areas and is also a great assistant to the coach, organizing files filled with videos of chants, dance, music, and lyrics to chants. You can count on her to develop the calendars and share all information with everyone on the team.
The three of them were dynamic forces on the team and their presence and joy that they bring will be sorely missed next year. They are three of the most selfless persons I have ever worked with. They are really all about the team and creating cohesiveness.
Congrats again to all three seniors!
