Concordia's cheer and stunt team has been working hard throughout this 2021-2022 season to support the basketball team and bring excitement to the student body or the audience. When cheering, the ladies' chants make others feel welcomed and deliver school spirit for the university. 

These ladies work hard at practice every day to give an outstanding performance at games or stunt competitions against other teams. It takes strength and discipline to do what they do consistently. The team is passionate about their performance and entertains during half time to represent CUI's culture. The culture at this school is kind-hearted, cheerful, and all about making others feel welcomed in the environment. 

Senior Devan Doyle is majoring in Kinesiology with a double minor in Psychology and Coaching. Doyle is the current captain of the cheer and stunt team and her position on the team is the main base. Doyle explained how wins work in competition. “Two teams performing a series of routines that involve partner stunts, pyramids, jumps and tumbling," said Doyle. When competing, the two teams pull out a mat and perform the same routine; whoever does a better job gets the point. At the end of the competition, the team with the most points is the winner. 

Doyle said, "One of our biggest goals for the team was to make it to nationals that will take place in San Antonio, Texas this year." The team is waiting to hear whether they are qualified to perform and are praying for the best results. 

Doyle wants to shout out to all the underclassmen on the team for making her senior year unforgettable both on and off the mat. She also thanks her coaches for pushing the team to continue to fight for their goals until the very end, all while having fun. 

Senior Jordyn Ludeman's major is Liberal Studies Elementary Education. Her position on the team is a flyer and tumbler. Ludeman's favorite memory is that she participated in at least one level of all three levels when competing from freshman year to senior year. Ludeman said “team encouragement to have no mental mistakes” at nationals is key. “We can do it. We have the skills; all we need is the confidence,” she said.

Andrea Valencia is a sophomore majoring in Liberal Studies with dual studies and special education credentials. Her position on the team is a flyer and a tumbler. Valencia said, "The highlight of my season will be if we get chosen to go to nationals." The team has been putting in work and performing wonderfully so they can experience this opportunity. 

Freshman Miranda Moses is majoring in Kinesiology with an emphasis on lifespan and allied health. Her position on the team is a flyer and a tumbler, along with Valencia and Ludeman. Moses said, "The highlight of my season was beating our rival team Vanguard for the first game." She also talked about how there are four quarters when competing next to the opponent and teams can earn up to twenty-one points. The team with minor mistakes and with the cleanest routines is the winner. Moses said, "I want to shout out everybody on the team, it's crucial to come together at games to cheer each other on, and every time I step out onto the mat, I feel so loved and encouraged." 

"To build a human pyramid with a group of girls standing on each other’s backs and shoulders takes not only strong, sturdy muscles but trust, loyalty and a strong family bond," said CUI cheer alumni, MacKenzie Feeken, in a past CUI article. Over the past few years, the CUI cheer and stunt team has created a legacy where the ladies who join the team value each other and the talent they perform. 

Tags: Cheer, Stunt, women's athletics

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