Name: Amanda Fossati
Year: Freshman
Major: Pre Law
Hometown: Anthem, Arizonia
This Arizona native’s claim to fame is being a cheerleader on the U of O cheer team! Meet Amanda!
HCO: How long have you been cheering and how did you get into it?
Since I was six, so about 12 years. My mom put me in dance and then one day, I decided that I wanted to be a cheerleader so she put me in cheer and the rest is history!
HCO: What made you want to join the cheer team here at UO?
I honestly picked my college based on cheer programs. I really liked the program here and when I tried out for the team and made it, I knew I made the right choice!
HCO: What did you like most about the cheer program here?
It’s just a very professional team. We don’t compete which allows us to put all our focus into supporting and cheering on our sports teams. I rarely have to tumble, which is nice and I love the dancing aspect. Everything about Oregon cheer was perfect for me!
HCO: What’s the best part of being a cheerleader besides actually cheering?
Definitely the fact that I am being a role model for kids. Little girls will come up to me and ask for autographs and pictures and it’s the most heartwarming thing. They will wear little uniforms and say stuff like, “I want to be like you one day!” It’s so rewarding.
HCO: What’s your time commitment for the team?
Well, in the summer we have six weeks of doubles to prepare for the school year. Then once school starts we have practice twice a week and depending on if we have a game that week, we will have an additional game simulation practice on Friday. And then, of course, we have GAME DAY!
HCO: What do you like to do outside of cheer?
Well, I’m super busy all the time, so not much. My days basically consist of school, cheer, and then stuff for my sorority. I have no free time, but I’m the type of person who loves being busy! If I’m not always doing something, I’ll just sit in my room and eat and watch Netflix all day.
HCO: What teams do you cheer for?
We cheer for the football team, men and women’s basketball, volleyball, and baseball.
HCO: How has it been adjusting to life here in Oregon?
It’s freezing! Sometimes I feel like I’m dying because of the weather, but besides that it’s nice! (laughs)