Cheer squads’ sights set

Jennifer Syndor has her squads hoping for Nationals

The toe-touching’, power punching’ cheerleaders of Liberty University are saying bring it on. They’re ready to dominate this season and want another shot at the UCA Nationals at Disney World in Orlando, Fla.

“Last year we were one spot away from getting a partial spot, paid bid, and would not have to pay the full price to go to nationals,” head coach Jennifer Syndor said.

A former cheerleader herself, Syndor is going into her fourth season leading the program. The past three years she’s has had experiences with her team, helping them to learn and grow through the cheerleading program. When asked about being the head cheerleading coach, Syndor made it clear that it wasn’t her decision.

“I had no idea that I would be qualified or that this would be right for me, or a good fit,” Sydnor said. “It’s totally a God thing, and I just feel like he placed me here for a reason and purpose.”

With gatherings such as dinners and weekly devotionals, as well as striving for success for her team in cheering, academics and spiritual growth, Syndor feels like her team is a family.

“My team, as any other team, is not perfect. We don’t have perfect people,” Syndor said. “I’m so proud of the way they carry themselves and the expectations they have for themselves, just how they work hard in practices and workouts.”

Unity is very important to the team, like any other sport, and Syndor has worked hard to make her team have a sense of togetherness. To her athletes she’s more than a coach, she’s someone you can trust.

“Coach Jenny is such an awesome coach,” sophomore Whitney Mock said. “I look up to her in so many ways and feel like I could go to her for advice about anything.”

Cheer practices, weight training and conditions are just a few of the cheerleader’s responsibilities besides cheering on game day. The team also participates in various community service projects on campus and off.

“Our team does community events like kids Flames club at Chick-Fil-A and special appearances at nursing homes and before football games,” Junior Megan Robinson said.

The cheerleading program has two different squads, the red team and the white team.

Both of the teams are co-ed and although Syndor is satisfied, she’s looking for some new additions.

“This year I’m looking for a couple of extra flyers for the white squad,” Syndor said.

Walk-on skill tryouts will be held next week on Thursday and Friday from 5 to 8 p.m. in the Schilling Center. More information on requirements can be found on the Splash page.