ATHLETE TESTIMONY
- I think my biggest piece of advice would be to take it all in. Even though it’s hard at times and it’s really easy to race to get out, you will miss all the happy and even hard moments.
- Take every opportunity to get better! Wether this be with a new job, a new position, a community volunteer, more practice time. These moments don't last forever but they will teach you new things and memories that you'll hold onto forever. Every lesson is a great teaching moment that you can carry throughout your lives! Cheerleading in college will also be a positive and fun memory for myself! You have the capability to be whatever you choose if you always choose to look at the positive in life!
- Embrace the hard days and long hours those are the days that build character. And work on your skills outside of practice I know how tiring it can be but that's where real progress is made.
Isabella Difelice - (C/O 2025)
- My piece of advice would be to cherish the time you have there with your teammates and coaches because it flies by!
Sailor Bodenhausen - (C/O 2025)
If you could give future reivers one piece of advice, what would it be?
- My best piece of advice would be to build strong relationships with your coaches, every coach at IW wants what is best for you. They value hard work and dedication and building relationships with them will help you develop as an athlete and set you up for success at your next college.
Holdyn Anioce - (C/O 2024)
If you could give future reivers one piece of advice, what would it be?
- To soak in every moment and opportunity that you will receive. And to focus on your school work.
Jenna Schuckman - (C/O 2020)
What will/do you miss most about being a reiver?
- I miss nationals season. That is such a bonding time that forces the team to come together to make it through.
What was your favorite part about being in the reiver cheer program?
- My favorite part was the friendships I made, those were great connections that really transformed me as a person.
Did you feel prepared for the next level after being in the program, whether it be cheerleading or a full-time job?
- Although my season ended a bit short due to COVID, I did feel prepared to move on to a bigger program. I was prepared to be coachable and had many of the base skills they were looking for, along with the attitude and drive coming from a place of already having competed on a college nationals mat.
Where did you attend, and where do you currently work now?
- I attended University of West Georgia (coed and all girl) and I currently work in the Georgia Office of Governor Brian P. Kemp as the healthcare and foster care policy advisor.
If you could give future reivers one piece of advice, what would it be?
- My piece of advice would be to not sell yourself short in cheer and in your career. If you want to cheer at a big program, work hard, get to know the coaches, and go for it. Same goes for your studies/career, which are just as important. If you have a passion, work hard, get connected however you can, and go for it.
Titus Lauderdale - (C/O 2015)
What will/do you miss most about being a reiver?
- I miss the family culture and Grinding with my team
What was your favorite part about being in the reiver cheer program?
- My favorite part of being a Reiver cheerleader was that I got to be a part of a program the believed in my potential and pushed me beyond it!
Did you feel prepared for the next level after being in the program, whether it be cheerleading or a full-time job?
- Absolutely! I took with me life skills that I'll never forget and grit that wont quit!
Where did you attend, and where do you currently work now?
- I attended Sam Houston State University and I currenty teach 5th grade for Kansas City Public Schools. I also coach collegiate cheer at Baker University in Baldwin City, KS.
If you could give future reivers one piece of advice, what would it be?
-Dont hold back, believe in yourself, and trust the process!
Samantha Darnall - (C/O 2020)
What will/do you miss most about being a reiver?
- What I have missed most about being part of the program at Iowa Western are the people and the atmosphere. I made some of my closest friends while cheering in the program. I was able to be myself and felt loved by everyone in the program.
What was your favorite part about being in the reiver cheer program?
- My favorite part about cheering at Iowa Western was all of the opportunity I was given. Getting to cheer at the next level and learning from some of the best coaches was a blessing and more than I could have expected.
Did you feel prepared for the next level after being in the program, whether it be cheerleading or a full-time job?
- Following my time at Iowa Western, I did feel more than prepared for the next level. Not only did I feel prepared when it came to my skill level, but also with life skills in general. Not only was Raven a phenomenal coach, but her advice and guidance on real life experiences was some of the best I have received.
Where did you attend, and where do you currently work now?
- Due to injuries, I was unable to continue cheer at a D1 program. Instead, I was offered a position to stay at Iowa Western and became the Assistant Cheer Coach.
If you could give future reivers one piece of advice, what would it be?
- My biggest piece of advice to incoming Reivers is to take it all in. Your time flies by and the experiences you gain under your belt are some that you will always remember. Trust in the coaching staff and your teammates that the process of the program will prepare you for the next level.
Shanlie Phillips - (C/O 2017)
What will/do you miss most about being a reiver?
- I miss the friendships I built. People I met at IW are people that I still talk to and have a significant impact on my life today. Also the rush of flying through the air knowing your teammates always had your back *feet* was an indescribable feeling.
What was your favorite part about being in the reiver cheer program?
- For me, it was the team. The way we pushed each other to be better every single day. I didn't make the roster right after tryouts, but Jeff gave me a chance to work over the summer and earn my spot alongside everyone else. That opportunity lit a fire in me, and I kept fighting to prove I belonged, not just to myself but to the team. Being a Reiver cheerleader wasn't just about individual effort; it was a mental and physical grind we tackled together. The work ethic I learned came from the group. The way we held each other accountable and to a very high standard, it built on that legacy. That's what made it special. Being part of such a tight-knit, driven team was an honor I'll always carry with me.
Did you feel prepared for the next level after being in the program, whether it be cheerleading or a full-time job?
- Oh absolutely, after IW I went to Wichita State and the skills and work ethic I developed only helped push me to the D1 level. Unfortunately I pushed a little too hard, was injured and didn't finish my season. Shortly after leaving Wichita I moved to Los Angeles where I continue to use the work ethic I built at IW to pursue a career in acting.
Where did you attend, and where do you currently work now?
- I went to Wichita State but I now live in Los Angeles acting, auditioning and traveling the world.
If you could give future reivers one piece of advice, what would it be?
- Live in the moment cause you will never get these moments back. The feeling you get when you're on the mat with your teammates is like nothing else. Take a deep breath and really let it sink in. Savor every second. Also throw as many skills as you can, while you can, someday you'll stop and you'll wish you would have thrown one more rep.
Jacob Cid - (C/O 2014)
What will/do you miss most about being a reiver?
- The thing I miss most about being a Reiver is how close everyone on the tam was. Lets be honest theres not much to do in Council Bluffs so we would have team bonding events set up either through Jeff or the older students would come up with activities to help keep the team growing.
What was your favorite part about being in the reiver cheer program?
- My favorite part about being in the cheer program while at IWCC was getting to meet other athletes from different parts of the country who had the same drive and competetitiveness that i had myself. i think we had people as far out as kentucky stretching to California while I was there.
Did you feel prepared for the next level after being in the program, whether it be cheerleading or a full-time job?
- I felt extremely prepared for the next level whether it was cheerleading or a full time job. My situation might be a little different than most as once I left IWCC, I actually was going to go to Morehead State University and be part of their very respective program but realized it just wasn't a good fit for me at the time in my life, so i pursued a full time job working with Lockheed Martin.
Where did you attend, and where do you currently work now?
- Once I had enough money saved up, I decided to finish out my Bachelors degree at the University of Tennessee because I wasn't as competitive as I was before, but still wanted to be a part of a very well respected program. Currently I work for Kenny Electric as a BAS Tech II and am looking to get my Journeyman's license later this year as well as being Promoted to a Tech III position or possible a foreman role
If you could give future reivers one piece of advice, what would it be?
- The advice That I can give you all is cherish your time at IWCC. Some of my fondest memoires in my early adulthood come from being in that program. Jeff taught me a lot, and instilled a lot of morals and beliefes in me. I know the coaches are different now, but I was there for Raven's sophomore year, and Henry's freshman year, and I know that they have very good life lessons and experiences to share with you, for both cheerleading and all aspects of life. It's amazing to see how far this program has come in the past 11-12 years since being gone. Go Reivers and keep kicking ass!
Kristin Kennedy - (C/O 2024)
What will/do you miss most about being a reiver?
- What I miss about being a Reiver is as simple as being a Reiver. The community at IWCC makes everyone feel as if they were home.
What was your favorite part about being in the reiver cheer program?
- My favorite part about being in the Reiver cheer program is the close bonds I’ve made. The people I have met will remain some of my closest friends and I will forever cherish our memories together. I love knowing no matter where I go, my Reiver family will have my back as well as my support.
Did you feel prepared for the next level after being in the program, whether it be cheerleading or a full-time job?
- I felt very prepared taking my next steps into my cheer career as well as being able to fulfill my academic one. The Reiver cheer program has set me up for the expectations of a division one while being at a community college. I came into this program not knowing much about what skills or position I needed in order to meet my goals. During my time in this program, I quickly progressed and achieved more than I ever expected myself to and I give that thanks to Coach Raven Gau. She is determined to not only have her athletes become successful for themselves but also provides them with the confidence to be able to meet their goals. I learned the importance of what a student athlete meant and it has helped me become the person I am today. This program teaches athletes the importance of being an accountable, reliable, and responsible individual.
Where did you attend, and where do you currently work now?
- I currently attend the University of Kentucky and I am apart of the cheer program.
If you could give future reivers one piece of advice, what would it be?
- My advice for the future Reivers is to take it all in and enjoy the process. This program is so special and has impacted me in a way that I will hold strongly in my heart. Cherish these times and keep pushing through when it gets hard. It will always be worth it in the end.
Kortnie Getzschman - (C/O 2021)
What will/do you miss most about being a reiver?
- What I miss most about being a Reiver is how close everyone is and there was always someone you knew on campus. Being from Council Bluffs, I saw people from high school and made new friendships all around the world here at Iowa Western.
Mason Nikel - LEFT MALE (C/O 2019)
What will/do you miss most about being a Reiver?
- I miss the team work and diversity throughout the program and meeting people from all over the country
What was your favorite part about being in the Reiver Cheer Program?
- My favorite part of being apart of this program was the opportunity to represent us not only in the community but in Orlando for nationals
Did you feel prepared for the next level after being in the program, whether it be cheerleading or a full-time job?
- I felt extremely prepared for the real world between juggling practices , appearances, and classes the program teaches you organizational, promptness and punctuation. Which are all skills to bring to the real world with you.
Where do you attend, and where do you currently work now?
- After iowa western I entered the work force and I am currently a project manager building / remodeling pools in Florida.
If you could give future Reivers one piece of advice, what would it be?
- Nothing is tougher than the present, tomorrow it will be easier - and remember it's just cheerleading! - also bundle up its cold!
Bella McVay (C/O 2024)
What will/do you miss most about being a Reiver?
- I will miss the community. There was nothing like the Reiver fans that made every gameday, every event worthwhile.
What was your favorite part about being in the Reiver Cheer Program?
- My favorite part was being a part of not just a team but a family. Nationals season really brought everyone together and helped build bonds that I will hold on to for the rest of my life.
Did you feel prepared for the next level after being in the program, whether it be cheerleading or a full-time job?
- I was absolutely prepared for the next level. Being a Reiver instilled confidence in me on all aspect of life other than athletically
Where do you attend, and where do you currently work now?
- I currently attend Weber State University. One special thing about Weber is the resources they provide to all athletes, in and out of practice. These resources have helped their cheer program excel in seven straight national championships. I am so honored to be a part of it.
If you could give future Reivers one piece of advice, what would it be?
- Some advice I would give a future Reiver is to see it through. There will be hard days and there will be days where you are reminded of why you do this. Wake up everyday and go to class, and practice with a purpose. It is not about the destination. It is about the journey.
Manuel "Manny" Barragan (C/O 2024)
What will/do you miss most about being a Reiver?
- The thing that I will miss about being a Reiver is being around my cheer family and just living on campus. Just waking up in the bluffs really felt different compared to waking up in the city.
What was your favorite part about being in the Reiver Cheer Program?
- My favorite part of being a Reiver cheerleader was being on the first cheer team that won the NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP for Iowa Western.
Did you feel prepared for the next level after being in the program, whether it be cheerleading or a full-time job?
- Yes, I did feel prepared for the next level! whether it was cheers, stunts, pyramids, or baskets. I was ready! Reiver cheerleading taught me how to juggle so many things at once.
Where do you attend, and where do you currently work now?
- I now attend Weber State University and I am on the cheer program. One unique thing about this program is that they have won 7 years in a row and still going.
If you could give future Reivers one piece of advice, what would it be?
- one piece of advice i can give a futre Reiver is to trust the process. You want to get better? Put the time in. You want to have solid stunts? Focus on Technique. It takes time, pratice and stunt with anyone and everyone to start seeing results. No one can make changes other than yourself. At the end of the day, NOBODY CARES, WORK HARDER. Basics are just as important as elites
Taylor Bott (C/O 2014)
- Take it all in and remember that cheer is not life. I know right now it feels like cheer is your entire story and the only thing that matters, but ten years from now, you'll look back on your experience as a Reiver cheerleader and realize how minuscule that detail is in the grand scheme of life. Enjoy every second and make the most memories because your time as a college athlete fades quickly! Learn the good lessons and take them with you on your journey to make the world a better place.
Shelby Montgomery (C/O 2012)
- One more time, will never mean one more time!
- Academics are VERY important, so keep your grades up.
- Always be a team player! If you don't make mat/competition team, you will be okay. I was an alternate my 1st year and 2nd and was called up to mat over Christmas break.
Mariah Hagerty (C/O 2016)
What will/do you miss most about being a Reiver?
- Goodness, what a tough question...everything haha. Iowa Western brought together such unique individuals from, I believe, more than 15 different states. That is a lot of personalities put together on one team. However, Coach Jeff knew what he was doing. He found individuals that were on a mission and had goals. Even though we may all have been different in our own ways, I miss being around those that could find ways to push themselves while cheering on others.
What was your favorite part about being in the Reiver cheer program?
- Cheer was more than just physical talent. Although being a Reiver, in any sport, required a great amount of physical talent, it taught me spirit and community. You would think, well duh Mariah... spirit and cheering go hand and hand. While I knew that, it wasn't until I was at Iowa Western until I learned the level of it. It was more than just cheering on the sports teams. It taught me community, family, and how to cheer on those around me, as well as myself. It brought me joy to get others involved in the event/movement/etc. It brought me joy to uplift others by encouraging them to believe in themselves.
Did you feel prepared for the next level after being in the program whether it be cheerleading or a full-time job?
- Absolutely. Without my two years at Iowa Western, I would have felt lost or not ready to take on the bigger picture. I didn't know what I fully wanted to do career-wise yet, but it did provide me with more options. I was able to take both my education and cheer talents to a level I would have only dreamt of before.
Where did you attend and where do you currently work now?
- After my two years at Iowa Western, I was honored to continue my education in kinesiology and cheer for the University of Central Florida. I was soon blessed with an opportunity to be closer to family and attend Maryville University of St. Louis. While at Maryville University, I received my bachelors in exercise science while diving at the national level. I very quickly learned that I loved strength coaching and was given multiple opportunities to coach from junior high to collegiate level.
Seamus O'shea - Right - (C/O 2021)
What will/do you miss most about being a Reiver?
- I miss being with the people with one common goal. IW is not like a big D1 school, the only thing we could do was cheer. The people that were there when I was there are the reason I hold IW with such high regard.
What was your favorite part about being in the Reiver cheer program?
- My favorite part was the people, some of my best friends to this day I met there.
Did you feel prepared for the next level after being in the program whether it be cheerleading or a full-time job?
- Yes definitely felt prepared for the D1 level. I understood myself as a teammate and leader a lot more. I still had Raven and Josh to talk to if I needed them.
Where did you attend and where do you currently work now?
- I went to Sam Houston State University after IW. I got my bachelors degree in marketing. I am currently a New Home Sales Professional for Tim O'Brien Homes in Madison Wisconsin.
If you could give future reivers one piece of advice, what would it be?
- Be in the moment, make the most of every practice, every meal in the cafe, every party with your teammates. You're in the good ol' days right now.
Andrew Ericson - Left (C/O 2016)
What will you miss most about being a Reiver?
- What I am always going to miss most about being a reiver is the amazing sense of family and purpose I got as a part of our team and as a part of the community.
What was your favorite part about being in the Reiver cheer program?
- My favorite part of being a part of the Reiver cheer program was just being a part of the Reiver family, and getting to know all of the amazing people who were a part of it.
Did you feel prepared for the next level after being in the program whether it be cheerleading or a full-time job?
- After finishing my time with the Reiver cheer program I continued on to win a national championship with the West Gorgia Wolves cheer program and this helped me to coach many successful teams and athletes in Colorado. I could not have done that without the experiences and knowledge gained within the IW cheer program.
Where do you attend or where do you currently work now?
- I recently graduated from the University of Hawai’i at Manoa and am looking to continue toward my master’s degree in marketing management.
If you could give future reivers one piece of advice, what would it be?
- Invest yourself fully in whatever you do, you will never have any regrets if you put your whole self into doing and enjoying life and all of its experiences!
Cristopher Bueno ( C/O 2024)
What will you miss most about being a Reiver?
- One thing that I would miss the most is how everyone was welcoming, and it always felt like I had a family.
What was your favorite part about being in the Reiver cheer program?
- My favorite part about being a reiver was the hard work
Did you feel prepared for the next level after being in the program whether it be cheerleading or a full-time job?
- I was more than prepared for the next level because of the way the program is ran. I learned how to respect and appreciate all the little things.
Where do you attend or where do you currently work now?
- University of West Georgia. One unique thing about this program is how much everyone cares about your future.
If you could give future reivers one piece of advice, what would it be?
- Bad habits are easy to form, but hard to live with. Good habits are hard to form, but easy to live with
Madison Dunning ( C/O 2016)
What will you miss most about being a Reiver?
- I miss the people and being apart of a team. I miss competing and getting to stunt and tumble everyday.
What was your favorite part about being in the Reiver cheer program?
- Being so close to home my parents and grandparents were able to come watch me cheer at every home game. My parents were able to host pool and Halloween parties both years I cheered at Iowa Western.
Did you feel prepared for the next level after being in the program whether it be cheerleading or a full-time job?
- I was well prepared after being a student athlete. You have to be organized and set a schedule in order to be a successful student athlete and college cheerleading helped with a smooth transition from college to working full time.
Where do you attend or where do you currently work now?
- I am apart of the Nebraska Air National Guard in Lincoln. I earned my Private Pilots License and am currently working on my Instrument Rating.
If you could give future reivers one piece of advice, what would it be?
- Soak in and enjoy every moment with your teammates and coaches because it goes by quickly and you only get to be a college athlete for 2 or 4 years.
Dominique Garlington (C/O 2016)
What will you miss most about being a Reiver?
- What I’ll miss most about being a Reiver is the opportunity to learn and grow under the “learning tree.” I wasn’t a blue-chip recruit—Jeff didn’t seek me out but I kept showing up, and eventually ended up with a uniform. Because I was so new to everything, I took every chance to learn from those around me. Jeff allowed me to ask endless questions, Chaz a three-time national champion taught me the mindset of a winner, and athletes from all over the country shared their wisdom. Competing for a place on the mat taught me to become a valuable asset, whether or not I was in the spotlight. The knowledge and support from everyone in that program were invaluable, and that’s what I’ll carry with me.
What was your favorite part about being in the Reiver cheer program?
- My favorite part was the camaraderie we built during comp season, the relentless grind in the weight room, and the unique culture that transformed us from teammates into a true family. Despite our different backgrounds and skill levels, we united under the Reiver name, combining our strengths to create something powerful: a real team. We were guided by two men who pushed us beyond our limits—not just on the mat, but in the weight room and classroom his shaping us into stronger individuals and an even stronger unit. Each year, we blended our talents into something greater than ourselves. And then there was the Breakfast Club a group of us so driven that we’d get up at 3 a.m., five days a week, just to work out and stunt. That kind of commitment fueled not only our success but also our determination to do everything we could to achieve our personal goals while ensuring we carried our weight to help the team reach its goals. Iron sharpening iron, always pushing each other to be better.
Did you feel prepared for the next level after being in the program whether it be cheerleading or a full-time job?
- Absolutely. The program prepared me not only to compete but to thrive. I quickly realized how fortunate we were to have leaders who cared about more than our skills they cared about our futures. They wanted us to walk across that stage and hold our degrees, not just trophies. The Reiver program taught me that while we may compete against those beside us, success doesn’t mean others have to fail. The table is big enough for us all we’re just served different meals. It’s that mindset that’s carried me beyond the mat and into life.
Where do you attend or where do you currently work now?
- I completed my degree at Missouri Valley College, where I had the privilege of winning an NAIA National Title in 2018 and eventually becoming an assistant coach. Currently, I serve as a Sergeant in the United States Army.
If you could give future reivers one piece of advice, what would it be?
- Enjoy every moment. Time is something you can never get back. Make the most of every opportunity in that uniform, take pictures, tell your teammates you love them, make mistakes, and most importantly, learn from them. But remember, your value isn’t tied to a trophy. Cheerleading is unpredictable. When the music hits, all you can do is your job and that’s it. Take pride in what you do, in and out of uniform. The Reiver mindset will stay with you long after you leave.
Judge Everest (C/O 2018)
What will you miss most about being a Reiver?
- What I miss most about being a Reiver is most definitely the people it brought me closest to throughout my time there, people that I still talk to, to this day.
What was your favorite part about being in the Reiver cheer program?
- My favorite part of being in the Reiver Cheer program was the support we got from alumni and from the community, everyone knew the Reiver's were up to something big and their support fueled our journey.
Did you feel prepared for the next level after being in the program whether it be cheerleading or a full-time job?
- By the time I graduated from Iowa Western I did feel well prepped for the next level of academics and athletics. IW always preached a proper work ethic to ensure best results in the books and on the mat but also outside of both settings, I felt more well rounded as an individual.
Where do you attend or where do you currently work now?
- I currently work full time as a skills coach in IL rekindling my passion for sport and learning, giving my knowledge to the next generation of athletes and people of America.
If you could give future reivers one piece of advice, what would it be?
- One piece of advice for future Reiver's would be to understand that enjoying the journey is far more important than obsessing over the outcome; fall in love with the process, do your best and the results will follow.
Shelbie Wise (C/O 2013)
What will you miss most about being a Reiver?
- What I miss the most is my teammates! Our cheer team was a second family for many of us. We all got to meet and work with very talented athletes from all over the US which was awesome. Of course, I also miss cheering on the mat and being a college athlete.
What was your favorite part about being in the Reiver cheer program?
- My favorite part of the Reiver cheer program in addition to the many friendships, was the quality of resources for our program. We had highly qualified coaches along with resources in the school such as access to the trainer, weight room, etc. Many schools do not offer any additional resources for their cheer programs. Iowa Western did a great job making sure cheer was treated right!
Did you feel prepared for the next level after being in the program whether it be cheerleading or a full-time job?
- Yes, I do feel that Iowa Western was a great stepping stone for me in both athletics and academics. The cheer program prepared me in many areas for the skills I needed for future teams. On top of cheer specific skills, I was able to really work on a lot of soft skills such as time management, motivation and communication all which helped carry me to my next journey at Northwest Missouri State University.
Where do you attend or where do you currently work now?
- After Iowa Western I went to earn my degree in Computer Science at Northwest Missouri State University. I currently live in Minnesota and have been working at Optum (United Health Group) as a Sr Architect Analyst and as well Coach for the Lakeville Cheerleading program.
If you could give future reivers one piece of advice, what would it be?
- Take all the opportunities you can but don't forget to have fun along the way. The hard work will always be worth it. Cheerleaders - take every moment in on that mat! You'll be missing cheer before you know it!
DeMaurus Narcis (C/O 2015)
What will you miss most about being a Reiver?
- What I missed most about being a Reiver was knowing that I was attending one of the best JUCO in the U.S. The support that the school gives its athletes is unmatched.
What was your favorite part about being in the Reiver cheer program?
- My favorite part about being in the Reiver cheer program was my teammates. Moving from Dallas, Tx to Iowa was a big culture shock for myself. My team mates soon became my family and the transition was easy after that. Out of my 5 years in College; IWCC were some of the best years I had and would not trade it for nothing else.
Did you feel prepared for the next level after being in the program whether it be cheerleading or a full-time job?
- Yes, most definitely. The skills I learned and the work ethic that was instilled in me most definitely prepared me for the next step in my life. Being on time to practice, not giving up in a stunt or just learning how to be a decent human being/team player have all helped me in life.
Where do you attend or where do you currently work now?
- I am currently a 6th grade middle school teacher
If you could give future reivers one piece of advice, what would it be?
- My piece of advice would just to be in the moment. Sometimes it may feel like there is a lot going on, but take in the moment of being at games, hanging with your teammates, traveling with your team mates because before you know it will be time for you to transition on to the next chapter in your life.
Hunter Will (C/O 2023)
What will you miss most about being a Reiver?
- What is miss most about being a part of the reiver family is that indescribable feeling you get on gameday when you're out there doing motions, vibing to the routine music with the people who you create forever bonds with. I also miss the excitement you feel about stunting when you have the opportunity to show off what you have been learning in a more casual setting
What was your favorite part about being in the Reiver cheer program?
- My favorite part about being in the reiver cheer program is the people you meet. The forever bonds that you create, and the opportunities it provides to be able to the things that you normally wouldn't do if you weren't a part of it
Did you feel prepared for the next level after being in the program whether it be cheerleading or a full-time job?
- Yes, I felt prepared in so many ways, I think the skill that stands out the most is probably my work ethic and drive to be better than I was yesterday at what I'm passionate about now. In the field that I am currently in, I utilize skills that I learned from Reiver Cheer, like time management and organization to execute my job to the fullest and most productive level
Where do you attend or where do you currently work now?
- I am currently in the undergraduate psychology program at UNO and work as the outing lead direct support professional at Prime Home Disability Day services. At work I create schedules and community outing calendars to get our clients out into the community. The most special part about it is that I get to tap in to the leadership skills that I learned from IW to make sure that everything I need to keep track of is going smoothly
If you could give future reivers one piece of advice, what would it be?
- My piece of advice to all the future or current reivers out there is to not take anything for granted. Enjoy the time that you have with your Reiver Family because it won't always be there. Also, be nice to everyone. Strive to be someone that everyone can trust, love, and look up to.
Noah Sturgeon (C/O 2018)
What will you miss most about being a Reiver?
- What I miss most about being a Reiver is my teammates and family I made while in the program. I still talk with so many of my prior teammates because of how close we became. Some of them were even in my wedding which was so much fun to have them a part of.
What was your favorite part about being in the Reiver cheer program?
- My favorite part about being a Reiver cheerleader was the culture we had and they still have. Iowa Western is not a top program just because. Every athlete that goes through the program works hard, puts in extra time, and pushes each other to become better. That culture was something I tried to take with me as I continued my cheer career.
Did you feel prepared for the next level after being in the program whether it be cheerleading or a full-time job?
- I was absolutely prepared. Like I mentioned, that culture they have is next level and made me a better cheerleader. I tried to take that with me and push myself and others as I went on to cheer at Missouri State and West Georgia.
Where do you attend or where do you currently work now?
- I am currently the new Head Coach at Missouri State University! I just started this past June and am looking to turn this program into something it has never been before!
If you could give future reivers one piece of advice, what would it be?
- One piece of advice I would give to future Reivers is be mentally tough. You have to have a grind mentality when you want to be a top athlete in a top program. That coaching staff will push you to be better and you have to be ready to do so. National Championships and not built on missed reps and unproductive practices. Having a tough mindset will help you on those hard days and prepare you to outwork those rival programs.
Maddy Lund (C/O 2023)
What will you miss most about being a Reiver?
- What I miss most about being a reiver is the family and support system it gave me. My teammates and coaches pushed me constantly and were there for me through anything and everything.
What was your favorite part about being in the Reiver cheer program?
- My favorite part was cheering on Iowa Western sports team, and growing new skills with my teammates.
Did you feel prepared for the next level after being in the program whether it be cheerleading or a full-time job?
- Iowa western really prepared me foe what it takes to be a D1 athlete. I don't think I would have made it if it wasn't for our hard workout program, tumbling almost everyday, and helping me get the skills I needed to make a team at the higher level.
Where do you attend or where do you currently work now?
- I currently attend school at Austin Peay State University where we compete in D1 small coed. I love all the traditions that we do, they are all really important to alumni and I think it's very special that we still do them all to this day
If you could give future reivers one piece of advice, what would it be?
- Work hard and don't give up on your dreams
David Araujo (C/O 2024)
What will you miss most about being a Reiver?
- There’s nothing in the world like an Iowa Western Reiver, I’ll always miss the hours of grinding that was put into myself in the classroom and gym!
What was your favorite part about being in the Reiver cheer program?
- The coaching staff made being a Reiver fun, they come from a place of love and care
Did you feel prepared for the next level after being in the program whether it be cheerleading or a full-time job?
- Leaving Iowa Western beyond prepared me for the next step in my life. If I never became a Reiver, going to the University of West Georgia may have never happened and for that I’m grateful!
Where do you attend or where do you currently work now?
- I currently go to the University of West Georgia. Being a cheerleader here at UWG is more than being just a cheerleader, but about taking the years of traditions and culture and becoming a part of it!
If you could give future reivers one piece of advice, what would it be?
- You can do hard things!
Lexi Wrobel (C/O 2025)
What will you miss most about being a Reiver?
- What I’ll miss most about my time as a Reiver was the family and we created during our time. Even with everyone coming from different places and different backgrounds we all still found a common ground of being there together going through the same thing day in and day out.
What was your favorite part about being in the Reiver cheer program?
- My favorite part of my time was definitely our grind season during nationals. While in the moment it was hard, we all knew we were working towards something that we would remember way longer than being tired or sore for a few days.
Did you feel prepared for the next level after being in the program whether it be cheerleading or a full-time job?
- When I came to IW, I essentially didn’t have any cheer experience at all. I think both the program and the school have significantly prepared me in both my athletic ability and understanding how to balance being a student athlete.
Where do you attend or where do you currently work now?
- As of right now, I coach at Cheer Athletics Chicago as we have just finished our first ever season. This next year I plan on going back to school (Morehead) to finish my cheer career and earn my degree.
If you could give future reivers one piece of advice, what would it be?
- I would tell the future Reivers just to enjoy their time. Sometimes it does get hard or frustrating but there’s still so much that I cherish and will remember forever during my time at IW.
Tyler Smith (C/O 2025)
What will you miss most about being a Reiver?
- What I’ll miss most about my time as a Reiver is the family. With everyone coming from different places and different backgrounds we all still found a common ground of being there together going through the same thing day in and day out.
What was your favorite part about being in the Reiver cheer program?
- My favorite part of my time was definitely our grind season during nationals. Going through the process and trusting what my coaches told me gave me the encouragement I needed to make it trough.
Did you feel prepared for the next level after being in the program whether it be cheerleading or a full-time job?
- When I came to IW, I essentially didn’t have any cheer experience at all. I think both the program and the school have significantly prepared me in both my athletic ability and understanding how to balance being a student athlete.
Where do you attend or where do you currently work now?
- I coach at Cheer Athletics Chicago as we have just finished our first season. This next year I plan on going back to school (Morehead) to earn my degree and cheer.
If you could give future reivers one piece of advice, what would it be?
- I would tell the future Reivers just to enjoy their time and dont rush to get out. Sometimes it does get hard or frustrating but there’s still so much that I cherish and will remember forever during my time at IW that I cant find at any other program.
Sam Dennis (C/O 2026)
What will you miss most about being a Reiver?
- I’ll miss the people the most—the team, the bond we built, and the environment we created every day. Being surrounded by people who push you to be better, not just as an athlete but as a person, is something that’s hard to replace.
What was your favorite part about being in the Reiver program?
- My favorite part was the growth. From day one to now, I’ve developed so much physically, mentally, and as a teammate. The intensity, the expectations, and the support system all played a role in helping me become the athlete and person I am today.
Do you feel prepared for the next level, whether it be cheerleading or a full-time job?
- Yes, I do. The program has taught me discipline, accountability, and how to handle pressure. Those are things that translate directly into both cheerleading at the next level and into the workforce.
Where do you attend or where do you currently work now?
- I currently attend Iowa Western Community College and I plan to attend University of Ole Miss. I also want to stay involved with cheer through coaching and private lessons.
If you could give future Reivers one piece of advice, what would it be?
- Take advantage of every opportunity and don’t take the time for granted. It goes by fast, so give everything you have every single day. The work you put in now will pay off later.