DURDEN SMITH | STAFF WRITER

For the first time ever at Piedmont College, cheer dancers are getting official recognition. The NCCAA has officially pronounced them as a sport.  

Being named a sport comes with an array of perks, as well has much higher standards. Bre Viramontes, a junior nursing major, is very excited to see what doors this could open for the team. 

“It’s super exciting,” she said. “We’ve worked so hard to become a part of athletics, and it’s nice to see that others see that – not just us.” 

This will be Viramontes’ second year as the team’s caption, and she’s ready to lead them to victory.  

“We work just as hard as everyone else,” she said. “We get to put that to use towards competitions and other opportunities now that we have the funding that other sports do. I hope we can continue to live up to the expectations that brought us to this point.” 

Amanda Blackwell, a former cheer dancer, is excited for the team’s success. 

“I think it’s awesome the cheer dancers are able to become a sport and be more known at Piedmont,” she said. “They put in as much work as any other team, so I think it’s well deserved for them to be known as a sport!”