While it may be unknown to some, Biola University has its own cheerleading team – the Biola Spirit Team – that performs their hearts out at athletics events to help boost our school’s team spirit. Their bountiful energy and skilled performances are the result of countless hours of practice, dedication and attention to detail.

Unlike other collegiate cheer programs, Biola’s Spirit Team is focused on campus events, this year debuting at Midnight Madness. Spring semester is where they really shine, as they need to keep up with a full schedule of basketball games and perform at all home games. 

The team is currently only at nine members, but the community is tightly knit, with a foundation of faith in God and building one another up. Captain Jaicee Sargent, CMA major, believes that as more people get to know about this team it will grow naturally. 

COMMUNITY AT THE CENTER 

The team has been described as one based in a spiritually grounded community, going to chapels together and doing bible studies. There is an atmosphere of faith and friendship that keeps this team connected, as they begin the year with a camp week that consists of training, chapels, prayer and bonding. Those early days are important for the team to connect and meet their new team members. 

Faith Arbiso, Business major, explained her experience at try outs as “[I] came in and felt comfortable”, and that she already could “feel the fellowship and community on the team”.  

That sense of community is something they carry throughout the year, as the team often gets coffee together, go to the Caf together, and participate in Bible studies and chapels, occasionally going to each other’s houses. The emphasis is not just in their sport, but on spiritual growth and genuine friendship. 

A part of their close community is their willingness to welcome athletes of all experience levels, because while it can help to have a cheer or dance background it is not required to be a part of the team. What is most important is a willingness to learn and be able to do the time commitment. 

LOOKING AHEAD 

The Spirit Team hopes to expand while maintaining the tight knit atmosphere they have created, and they will have tryouts in April to give students the opportunity to experience this same community and belonging. 

Julie Choi, nursing major, said “Go for it, just go for it” she explained her experience as never having tried anything like it and being so glad she tried out and found this community. 

They can be found on instagram at @biolaspirit