Wilson Cheer Alumni Shaniya Spriggs and Cheyenne Smallwood, class of 2017, share their experiences and words of wisdom to current and future Wilson cheerleaders.

Q: Where has life taken you after Wilson?

Spriggs: I am currently a junior at Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia. I am majoring in psychology with a concentration in mental health. 

Smallwood: I am now a junior at Virginia State University, majoring in history. I’m also the special assistant to the advisor in my department (History Department). I plan to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in history and get my master’s in education and become a history teacher… I am no longer that careless teenager hanging out in the atrium, getting by in school. I put my all into school and make time to get the experience needed to help me get a job once I graduate.

Q: How has cheer impacted your life?

Spriggs: Cheerleading at Wilson has brought me sisters that I will have for life and that is the greatest blessing I could ever ask for. Through my sisters, I have learned loyalty and loyalty is forever. 

Smallwood: I’ve been cheering on and off since I was five years old. Cheering at Wilson was way different from what I was used to. I had never done sideline cheerleading before, only competitive. The bond me and my sisters had and still have today is what sticks with me the most. We weren’t just a team, we are friends, sisters, confidants, and we have each other’s back at all times. When I began cheering, my GPA went up and I was no longer ripping and running around the city doing things that would prevent me from reaching my full potential. I wouldn’t be who I am today if I missed out on those tryouts. It has made me a better person.

Q: What advice would you give to a current cheerleader?

Spriggs: I would tell the current cheerleaders to enjoy it and live in the moment and to win!

Smallwood: To the current Lady Tigers: never ever give up. When things aren’t looking up keep pushing and stay motivated. You are all sisters. It is very important that there is a bond. I’ve cheered on teams that lacked a bond and trust me, it makes a world of a difference. You may not always see eye to eye but be respectful to one another. Be the best team you can be.

Q: Have you done anything cheer related after Wilson? 

Smallwood: I haven’t done anything cheer related since I’ve attended Wilson. I miss cheering though I do plan to be a cheer coach after I graduate and return home. It should be fun, maybe I’ll coach at Wilson and pick up where I left off.