Campus Celebrity: Hannah Laucamp

Hannah Laucamp is a junior majoring in Elementary Education and minoring in Educational Technology at the University of Northern Iowa.

How long have you been cheering at UNI?
Two years
 
Did you always know you wanted to become a college cheerleader?
I always wanted to be a cheerleader growing up because I would always want to be one for Halloween. I never thought that I could actually cheer at the college level until I went to one of the open gyms here at UNI.

 
What sports do you cheer for?
I cheer for football, basketball, occasionally wrestling meets, and yes, we even cheer for volleyball! Most people don’t think having cheerleaders at volleyball meets are necessary, however the matches are always exciting and we can really help keep the energy going!
 
What’s your most memorable experience so far as a Panther cheerleader?
My most memorable experience is getting my back-handspring for the first time. I had never tumbled until college cheerleading and it was something I really worked hard at. After I mastered it, I just felt a huge sense of pride in myself for sticking with it.
 
Do you have any pre-game traditions?
Whenever I get ready for my games I turn up the music and get myself excited for the event so that when I get there I am ready to go!
 
Have you had any embarrassing moments in front of the crowd?
I have so many! But I have one in mind. The first time I ever cheered, it was our first home football game and the place was packed. You can’t really see everyone until you step further onto the field. So, when I went out there to do the school song’s dance, I looked up and froze. I have never been in front of so many people before and I forgot all of my moves! They came back to me eventually and I just prayed no one really noticed.
 
How does it feel being such a big role model to younger girls who come to the games?
It feels great. You don’t realize you are a role model until you go to community events or activities and the little girls go crazy for autographs or just simply a high-five. It’s adorable because you remember yourself when you were that age. You always have to be on your best behavior everywhere you go because people are always looking up to you in one way or another.
 
What are your other hobbies besides cheering?
I have always loved music. I was very into my school’s choir and singing was just always a part of my life. I also love being outside whether I am camping, boating, or just being with friends and family around a big bon fire. With every bon fire comes s’mores!
 
What can’t you go a day without doing?
This is tough, but I definitely think that laughter is a huge part of your daily schedule. I try to have a good attitude each day. When you can laugh at things it makes things less stressful and more amusing in the end.
 
What would you recommend to anyone who wants to follow in your footsteps?
One of the quotes I live by is, “Never let success get to your head and never let failure get to your heart.” I think that it’s so important to stay who you are. Sometimes when people succeed they change after getting too caught up in it all. Being you is the most important thing you can do. If you fail at something, don’t let it bring you down. Keep going until you get to where you want to go because nothing and no one can stop you if you want something enough.