Let’s Go Hornets, Let’s Go!
Get in the Hornet Cheerleading Spirit!The Cheerleaders represent the spirit of Shenandoah University! Our cheerleaders come from a diverse array of different majors and backgrounds, but they all share one thing – their love for the university and the sport of cheerleading.
Cheerleading at Shenandoah is both challenging and rewarding. Each cheerleader works hard to acquire and perfect individual skills in an inclusive and supportive environment.
Cheering in London
Shenandoah University Cheer has been selected to perform in London’s New Year’s Day Parade along with the Marching Band on January 1, 2025!
Perform
The Cheerleaders perform at all home football and basketball games, where they lead the crowd in cheers and dazzle with stunts and tumbling.
In addition to sideline cheerleading and performing, the cheerleaders also participate in competitive cheerleading. The Cheerleaders promote school spirit and serve as positive representatives for Shenandoah University both on and off the mat.
Be Part Of An Emerging Winning Tradition
The cheerleaders won first place in the intermediate college division at the Reach the Beach Rec & School Nationals in 2020. In 2023, they earned second place at the Christian Cheerleaders of America’s nationals.
The cheerleaders attend stunt clinics, tumbling classes at a local all-star competitive gym, and choreography camp to prepare for their competition routine, which includes elite stunts, tumbling, and pyramids. Preparation for games and competition requires a commitment to practice 2-3 times per week.
Outside of games and competitions, the Cheerleaders participate in several school and community events, including the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival and fundraisers.
Meet Coaches Rachel Sours & Abby Foura
Coach Rachel Sours
Coach Rachel is a graduate from Shepherd University, where she not only cheered but was captain her senior year of college. Rachel is now a human resources supervisor for a distribution center. Coach Rachel has over 20 years of cheerleading experience, ranging from All-Star and grade school to college. She is driven to teach collegiate stunts and skills that no one has seen before.
“I come from a university where our collegiate cheer team was always the best and I will continue that excellence through my coaching for Shenandoah University Cheerleading Team,” she says. “I strive for my team to be the best they can be on and off the mat.”
Coach Abby Foura
Coach Abby, who was born and raised in Winchester, Virginia, is a 2016 graduate of Radford University, where she majored in elementary education. Abby is now a first-grade teacher in Frederick County, Virginia. She has over 20 years of cheerleading experience from All-Star and grade school. She was named captain her junior and senior year of high school and was named All-American Cheerleader in All-Star. Abby’s strength has always been bringing a certain special spark to the mat, where she now applies that to the university’s choreography.
“It’s not about being the best,” she says. “It’s about being better than you were yesterday.”
Requirements & Application
Shenandoah University Students of all gender identities are encouraged to consider trying out to become one of our Hornet Cheerleaders!
Each year, tryout requirements are elevated to ensure that the Hornet Cheerleaders consist of the best and most dedicated cheerleaders. Individuals trying out will be selected for the sideline and competitive team. Attendance at tryouts, preseason camp, and choreography camp is mandatory.
Tryouts consist of stretching and conditioning, skill assessment, and an interview.
Stretching/Conditioning
- Remain in good physical fitness, on and off season
- Demonstrate flexibility for performing single, double, and triple jump combinations
Skill Assessment
- Have basic knowledge of cheer and stunting techniques
- Flyers should be able to hit flexible body positions – twisting dismounts encouraged
- Bases should demonstrate proper stunting execution and controlled dismounts
- Tumbling skills are assessed independently for individuals; skills at this time are not required but encouraged.
Interview
- Review of completed cheerleading application
- Have a positive attitude and pride in Shenandoah University
- Remain in good academic standing with the university
- Have good conduct in and out of the classroom
- Have experience in sideline or competitive cheerleading
Applying to be a Cheerleader
For information on joining the team please contact coaches
Rachel Sours & Abby Foura at cheer@su.edu with any questions.
I’m A Shenandoah Student & I Want to Cheer! I Want To Cheer When I Get To SU!