The Cornell cheer team is taking their talents to the next level as they compete at the collegiate level for the first time.
The 18-member team will take on other DII and DIII schools Titletown National Championship in Green Bay, Wisconsin, on Saturday, Feb. 8.
“This is our first time ever competing,” said Cheer Coach Gabby McCoy, who is in her first year coaching the team. “The team has wanted to compete at the college level for a few years, so making it happen has been a lot of fun. We have leveled up our stunting this year and will continue to be consistent in college-level stunting and overall execution.”
The team has prepared a three-minute routine, including their entrance and exit, and will compete in the Game Day category, which focuses on a band chant, crowd interaction, fight song, and sideline cheer with stunting, motions, and cheers incorporated into the routine.
“I’m proud of our team for not giving up on our goals,” said Cheer Team Captain Haley Sevenbergen ’26, a junior from Newton, Iowa. “We have worked hard this year, and other years prior, to be able to compete. When things go wrong, we continue to work hard to make our competition routine the best it can be.” 
When the cheerleaders aren’t practicing for their competition, they’re supporting the Rams from the sidelines. The coed team cheers at home football games, home conference doubleheader basketball games, and home wrestling duals. The team performs stunts, dances, cheers, tumbles, and more. The season runs August through March with practices about three times a week.
“I think our team has very good chemistry this year. We all work together, help each other, and support each other whenever someone on the team needs it,” Sevenbergen said.
McCoy, who is also a full-time admission representative for Cornell, says she is pleased with the team’s dedication this season.
“It has shown at practice, on the field, mat, court, and beyond,” McCoy said. “They are setting goals and reaching them. I am excited to see the team’s hard work and growth this year as they compete at the college level, and I’m proud of the team atmosphere they’ve created.”