Name: Meaghan Maus
Age: 21, but turning 22 on Dec. 31!
Year: Senior
Major: Sports Management and Media Communications
Her Campus (HC): What made you want to attend FSU?
Meaghan Maus (MM): I grew up in Tallahassee and I attended many Florida State football games during that time. My parents and both sets of my grandparents met at FSU, so you could say it runs in the family. I didn’t know all FSU had to offer until I became a student, but I am so happy that I choose to come here.
HC: How have your choices to attend FSU and cheer for our school affected your life?
MM: I can’t image attending FSU and not being a cheerleader. It would be very different but I know I would still enjoy myself. My decision to cheer, however, has impacted my life. Cheerleading takes up A LOT of time. There are times when I forget why I am putting so much work into this sport, but then I take the field at Doak or I interact with kids who look at me like I’m a superhero. In those moments, I remember what I’m here for.
HC: How long have you been cheerleading?
MM: I did competitive gymnastics for twelve years when I was younger, so when I switched over to cheerleading in 7th grade it was easy. I never thought I would be a cheerleader, but look at me now!
HC: What is the best part about being on the FSU Cheerleading team?
MM: I honestly can’t pick one specific part. I love the relationships I have made with my teammates and my coaches. I love all of the opportunities that have come my way because of cheerleading. There are so many things to be thankful for. I am so happy I get the opportunity to serve this team as captain this year alongside my friend Bailey Johnson!
HC: What were the tryouts like?
MM: Tryouts consisted of three days. The first day is strictly tumbling, and we learn a cheer. The second day we stunt around, we tumble again and we do the cheer again. On Sunday, the final day, we make up mini routines to perform them multiple times. I have never been sorer in my life than after my freshman year tryout. The process is really intimidating.
HC: Did you find it challenging to keep up with school work while maintaining your position on the team?
MM: I have to make sure that I put school as my number one priority. We usually don’t get out of practice until 9:30 at night, and we have 6 or 7 a.m. workouts. Oftentimes, I feel really tired, but if I used my time wisely, I can maintain it all. Our coaches and administrators are very serious about the GPA requirements, so we are held accountable.
HC: What are the workouts like?
MM: Our workouts usually consist of Olympic lifting type activities and plyos, which is nicknamed “jump training.” We always end with a finisher that consists of cardio style workouts. The workouts are really challenging. I have been sore everyday this semester. We have an amazing strength coach who formats our workouts perfectly to help us excel in our sport.
HC: Do you participate in any other extracurricular activities on or off campus?
MM: I am in Chi Omega and love every aspect of it! The women I have met throughout this experience are kind, loving, passionate, generous and hard working. I am also the Vice President of Community Relations for the Student Athletic Advisory Council. This is another opportunity that I have found through cheerleading. There are two representatives from each sport at FSU. We represent the athletic department to the students, and we are constantly trying to bridge the gap between student athletes and students.
HC: I have to ask, what did it feel like to cheer in the final home game against UF?
MM: It was SO bittersweet. I have had the time of my life cheering for the Noles, and I wish it didn’t have to stop. I was really sad going into the pregame performances, but once the marching chiefs started to play I had so much fun. Beating the Gators for the fourth time in row was an awesome way to finish the season. Doak Campbell Stadium will ALWAYS have a special place in my heart!