Sept. 23, 2008

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - The Maryland competitive cheer team welcomed 11 new faces at the beginning of this season. With eight freshmen and three transfer students, the team is stacked with new talent and energy to kick off the year.

The newcomers come from all over the country. From Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Tennessee, the new talent stems from some of the most prominent competitive cheer teams in the country.

Some of the athletes came specifically for the cheer team. Freshman Samantha Goldklang said, "I am really excited to be a part of the team. The deciding factor for me to attend the University was my recruitment to the competitive cheer team, and since I've been here I have not regretted my choice for a second."

Freshman Alexandra Yannelli said, "It is such an honor to be on such a legendary team."

Some came because they knew the hard work and intensity other girls on the team display throughout the year. "The team is most certainly what I expected: a hardworking group of extremely talented girls that are always ready to get the job done," said freshman Lauren Shannon.

Of course, another popular reason for attending Maryland to cheer was its status as a sport. "Not only did I want to come to Maryland for it's academics, but unlike other universities Competitive Cheer is recognized as a sport which is something I found impressive," said freshman Karissa DePalma.

Others came for broader reasons. "I came here because I knew that this school had some of the greatest academic programs for me as well as an opportunity to be on this great cheerleading team," said freshman Lindsey Kaufmann. "I have also worked hard in school my whole life, so a big factor in choosing Maryland was that I knew this school would help me advance my education."

One transfer in particular wanted try something other than competitive cheering before deciding to return to Maryland. "I decided to attend school out of state and I wanted to see if I would enjoy cheering for football games rather than just competing. I decided that lifestyle was not for me and set my heart on coming to Maryland," said sophomore transfer Season Daugherty

With being newcomers to a national championship program, some tough adjustments are in order. Freshman Margaux Cooper said, "Since I have been at Maryland I have loved every minute of it. Although I am busier than I've ever been in my life, it is incredible. I love having such a hectic schedule and I love the amount of bonding it has helped me create with all of the other girls on the squad."'

The girls are learning time and schedule management with balancing classes, practice, workouts and studying. Sophomore transfer Tiffany Dennis said, "I meet different types of people and I learn something new everyday. Cheerleading has taught me how to stay fit and also helps me with time management when it comes to studying and keeping up with my school work."

Freshman Tess Farenwald, "The veteran girls have been great in helping out all the new comers and helping us to adjust. They really are a tremendous help and have done a great job welcoming us and making us feel at home on the team. It is greatly appreciated."

Practice itself is another huge adjustment for many of the girls. Transfer Brooke Cheripko said. "Practices the first couple weeks were pretty intense. I was really sore from our practices and lifting/conditioning sessions. All the veterans have been great! They are so helpful and always positive with me. The vets know what its like to be a new comer so they really help to make this transition a lot easier."

Despite new adjustments and new schedules to juggle, the freshmen and transfer students are the team are all appreciating that they are finally Terps.