The Lindenwood University cheerleading team collaborated with Big Brothers Big Sisters to host a cheerleading clinic for local youth. The clinic was part of the Game Changers program, which calls on leaders to be positive mentors for young people.
At the event, Lindenwood cheerleaders taught participants a short routine, which they later performed for those attending the event’s basketball clinic. Director of Spirit Squads, Cheer, and Dance Carrie Nichols coordinated Lindenwood’s participation with Big Brothers Big Sisters and encourages her athletes to be active in the community. Nichols said, “as much as we’re cheerleaders for the teams, we’re also ambassadors for the University.”
Eliza Weber is a rising senior on the cheer team who participated in the clinic. Describing the clinic as a “new experience,” Weber related the event to her own childhood. “This event truly brought me back to my own early years in cheerleading and reminded me of the love, passion, and enthusiasm that became the foundation of my athletic career,” Weber said.
For the Lindenwood cheerleaders, the clinic showed the power of mentorship that Big Brothers Big Sisters offers. “Throughout the clinic, I had the privilege of watching the girls grow not only in their skills but also in their confidence,” Weber said. “The experience also reminded me how grateful I am for the coaches and mentors who invested in me throughout my own journey.”
Community engagement is an ongoing part of the Lindenwood cheer program. Nichols said community events show student-athletes the impact they can have beyond competition. Nichols noted that many students who enter the program shy become increasingly eager to participate each year. Through each event, they develop a greater appreciation for the opportunity to serve others. At the Game Changers clinic, the cheerleaders showcased the confidence and responsibility they have developed as Lindenwood student-athletes.