MSU Cheerleading Alumni - 2010 Scholarship Winner

Newsletter Homecoming Membership Officers

2020 MSUCAA Scholarship Winner

Courtney Loynes

Michigan State Cheerleading means so much to me...but my journey as an MSU Cheerleader
didn’t quite start out how I had planned, however, it is ending by far way better than I could have ever expected. This is my story and my journey... I decided in middle school I wanted to cheer for a Big Ten college someday, MSU to be specific. So the hard work began way back then. I joined a private gym working with collegiate cheerleaders on coed stunting and tumbling. I knew it was going to take a lot of hard work and commitment. Which I was committed to do. I tried out for the MSU cheer team the spring of my senior year of high school. I made it all the way to the final 10 - last day- but unfortunately I did not make the team. It was devastating for me, BUT it didn’t stop me, it only pushed me to work harder that summer. College began and after a lot of thought I decided to try out in the fall. I knew if I didn’t I would regret it someday. I gave it all I had, I wanted to be a part of this team more than anything. I made the team that fall. I was finally and officially an MSU CO-ED CHEERLEADER. At that moment I proved to myself that I could do anything I put my mind to.

Now through the years it hasn’t been easy, but I didn’t expect it to be. So I worked hard every single year. It didn’t matter if I was a freshman or a senior, I always wanted to be the best I could be on and off the court. Cheer has brought me so many great opportunities. Some of my greatest achievements have been made because of this team. I gained more than friends and teammates, I gained family and friendships that will last a lifetime. I believe my confidence improved and my courage and leadership skills are because of this team. It has truly given me the greatest experiences. I have traveled all around the United States representing one of the greatest colleges in the world, because of this program. So many unforgettable memories and opportunities most only dream about. However, these experiences were not handed out to everyone. I worked hard on and off the court. I dedicated any free time I had to this program. It was always my goal to be on top and I would do whatever it took to meet this goal. At the beginning of my Sophomore year, I started off with very few seniority points. I knew that if I wanted to take full advantage of all the opportunities this program had to offer I was going to have to work harder than everyone else. I did exactly this and ended up being one of the top four cheerleaders in points. I continued to volunteer for all of the events the next two years and because of this , I was given so many amazing opportunities.

Looking back on everything I have accomplished I understand now as I end my final months on the team what a huge impact this team has made on me. I have developed so much more than just how to cheer. I have learned how to socialize, become more confident, and have developed a kick ass work ethic. I have gained incredible friendships and earned respect from my peers. One thing that I am very proud of is receiving the Coach’s Award both my Freshman and Sophomore year. This award recognizes the athletes that puts in the work and for me it was an honor to receive these awards, because I worked hard and it was noticed. These past four years have been nothing but amazing and I am so thankful for this program and the people that belong to it. It brings me great honor and pride to say I was a member of the MSU cheer team. I will be forever grateful for this opportunity and will always bleed GREEN!

Sincerely,
Courtney Loynes