Vanguard adds sideline cheer to sports launched this fall

This semester Athletics welcomed the sideline spirit team, a group of 14 girls from various dance and cheer backgrounds, to become Vanguard’s very own cheer squad. Right now they are preparing to be on the sidelines of men’s and women’s basketball games, but they are hoping to expand to other sports in the future.

The team will be led by Leslie Allen, who also coaches Vanguard’s newest women’s sport, stunt, last year. As opposed to the technical and athletic components that stunt focuses on, the Lion’s new sideline spirit team will concentrate on the performance and dance aspects of cheerleading.

Senior Connor Kennedy is excited for the team in his senior year and believes the added energy will be something that his team will appreciate.

“Coming from high school, where there’s always a sideline cheer team, it definitely felt like something was missing,” Kennedy said.

Along with Kennedy, his basketball teammate Mario Soto agrees that the encouragement from the sideline is something to look forward to.

“The feel is amazing…. I can’t wait to have them at our games,” Soto said.

Athletic Director Jeff Bussell expressing his excitement for the change it will bring and considers the addition an overall win for the Athletics Department.

“With their tremendous energy, we believe they will engage our fans and provide a great game day atmosphere at each event,” Bussell said.

Look for the Sideline Spirit Team at the next men’s basketball game in The Pit, Wednesday Oct. 24 at 7:30 p.m.