We are proud to kick off our first week back with a Campus Profile who truly shines. Meet Kaitlyn McNabb, Captian of the Fairfield University Cheerleading Team. Both on and off the court and performing, Kaitlyn’s enthusiam and passion for the sport is evident in everything she does. Her commitment to the team is admirable, and with the basketball season in full swing, there is no noubt they are bringing their all!
Major: Psychology
Year: 2017
Hometown: Wallingford, CT HC: Where did your passion for cheerleading originate? How long have you been competing?
KM: My passion for cheerleading originated when I was younger because I would always watch the cheerleaders on the sidelines when I attended basketball and football games with my parents. I have been competing for eight years.
HC: When did you know that you were in love with this sport?
KM: I began to love cheerleading during high school because the majority of my time was spent after school at practice. The time commitment in high school made me realize how much I enjoyed cheerleading and gave me the opportunity to form close friendships with cheerleaders who are still my best friends today. Also, during high school I created a Unified Cheerleading Team that allowed me to help and work with special education students. The students performed a halftime routine with us and cheered on the sidelines with the cheerleaders. This contributed to my love for the sport because I was able to see the happiness and enjoyment these students had from their cheerleading experience.
HC: What accomplishment are you most proud of in your cheerleading career?
KM: My proudest accomplishments are becoming the captain of Fairfield University’s Cheerleading Team this year as well as being the cheerleading captain for my high school team!
HC: How has your involvement in Fairfield Cheerleading change your experience at our school?
KM: My involvement on Fairfield University’s Cheerleading Team has allowed me to become more engaged with activities on campus and off campus due to the fundraisers and athletic events that we attended throughout the year. Also, being on the Cheerleading Team has provided me with new social experiences and has allowed me to expand my social circle. Meeting new people has given me new insights and perspectives that I would not have gained if I was not a part of the Fairfield University Cheerleading Team.
HC: What was one goal you made for yourself and the team this past semester?
KM: One goal that I set for myself and the team this past semester was to have at least three groups throw tuck baskets. I am extremely happy because this is the first year since I have been on the team that we were able to accomplish this goal.
HC: Being captain, are there any big plans you have for the team for your senior year?!
KM: As captain, one plan I have for the team for next year is to compete in one or two competitions. Another major plan I have is to do more fundraisers and become more involved in the community. Specifically, I plan on having the team go to a Head Start site in Bridgeport to read to the children from low-income families. This will enhance the development as well as the cognitive and social-emotional skills of low SES children and will allow the cheerleaders to better understand the surrounding towns of Fairfield.
HC: Which cheer (out of the Fairfield cheers) is your favorite?
KM: My favorite cheer is Offense That’s Right xx Move The Ball Let’s Win Tonight. This is one of my favorite cheers because it is visually appealing to the crowd and it is a more intricate cheer compared to the other sideline cheers that we have.
HC: What has Fairfield U Cheerleading taught you about female empowerment?
KM: Throughout my high school and college experience, I have heard many times the phrase, “Cheerleading is not a sport”. Despite how many individuals believe cheerleading is not a sport, I have learned to turn this negativity into positive motivation. We work together as a team and put in the same amount of dedication, time, strength, and effort as any other sports team. This misconception of cheerleading not being a sport has contributed significantly to our efforts to refine our skills and work more diligently in order to be worthy of recognition and promote female empowerment and equality.