Washington State University Athletics
WSU Spirit Squad Enjoys Academic Success
May 12, 2017 | Spirit Squads
As a whole, the Spirit Squad had a GPA of 3.26.
PULLMAN, Wash. – A yearly contender at the Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA) and Universal Dancers Association (UDA) National Championships each January, the Washington State University spirit squads have found success in the classroom as well.
Following the 2017 spring semester, 29 members of the spirit squad (making up 63 percent of the team) notched a 3.0 grade-point average or higher, including two members with perfect 4.0 GPAs. As a whole, the Spirit Squad boasted a team GPA of 3.26.
"We're very proud of the work our students put into their academics this semester, and over the course of this year," Spirit Squad coordinator, Chris Opheim said. "Our goal is to have a top tier spirit program, both on the sideline and in the classroom."
Five team members graduated at WSU's commencement held Saturday, May 6. Cheer squad members Jack Thompson (Vancouver, Wash.) and Nick Bailey (Redmond, Wash.) received their degrees in history education and sport management with a communication minor, respectively. Crimson Girls Michaela Parrott (Kent, Wash.), and McKenna Reis (Moses Lake, Wash.) graduated with degrees in business management and marketing, and communication, respectively, while former Butch, Brandon Knodel (Lind, Wash.) received his degree in agricultural technology and production management with a minor in business administration.
"It's very exciting to know that our athletes are constantly pushing themselves not only during practice and games, but in the classroom," Crimson Girls coach Kaila Evenoff said. "The reason we are able to have success on the sidelines is due to their commitment to WSU as students."Â
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Following the 2017 spring semester, 29 members of the spirit squad (making up 63 percent of the team) notched a 3.0 grade-point average or higher, including two members with perfect 4.0 GPAs. As a whole, the Spirit Squad boasted a team GPA of 3.26.
"We're very proud of the work our students put into their academics this semester, and over the course of this year," Spirit Squad coordinator, Chris Opheim said. "Our goal is to have a top tier spirit program, both on the sideline and in the classroom."
Five team members graduated at WSU's commencement held Saturday, May 6. Cheer squad members Jack Thompson (Vancouver, Wash.) and Nick Bailey (Redmond, Wash.) received their degrees in history education and sport management with a communication minor, respectively. Crimson Girls Michaela Parrott (Kent, Wash.), and McKenna Reis (Moses Lake, Wash.) graduated with degrees in business management and marketing, and communication, respectively, while former Butch, Brandon Knodel (Lind, Wash.) received his degree in agricultural technology and production management with a minor in business administration.
"It's very exciting to know that our athletes are constantly pushing themselves not only during practice and games, but in the classroom," Crimson Girls coach Kaila Evenoff said. "The reason we are able to have success on the sidelines is due to their commitment to WSU as students."Â
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Players Mentioned
/ Spirit Squads
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