An Interview with Hannah Goldman: FSU Co-ed Cheerleader

Hannah Goldman is a member of the Florida State University co-ed cheer team. She is a full-time student who is able to balance athletics and academics in order to represent her school. This article provides an inside look at being on the co-ed team and a sneak peek into Hannah’s life.

Her Campus (HC): What is your major and how long have you been at Florida State?

Hannah Goldman (HG): My major is communications and media studies with a minor in general business and I’ve been at Florida State for a year and a half.

HC: So Hannah, tell me a little more about yourself.

HG: I am from Tampa, Florida and 20 years old. I have to mention that I have 3 wiener dogs that I love and adore. My favorite activities besides cheer would have to be spending time with my friends, shopping, and going on trips with my family. 

HC: How long have you been involved in cheerleading and what does your prior experience entail? 

HG: I have been cheering for about 12 years. When I was eight years old, I started doing recreational cheerleading in my community. I then discovered I had a passion for it decided to join All Star, which is competitive and year-round until I was 15. Then, I became a member of my high school competition team as well and would spend six hours practicing every day between the two. I was captain my senior year and I had to choreograph my routines and would mix the music as well. I was also a cheer coach for my childhood team that I participated in when I was younger. I have always wanted to give back to my community and watch talented young girls like myself prosper.

HC: What is your favorite part of being on the co-ed team?

HG: My favorite part is that I am able to see a whole new side of cheerleading because I have never co-ed stunted before. It was an obstacle at first but I wouldn’t change it for the world.

HC: How did you get involved in collegiate cheering?

HG: I have always wanted to cheer in college and only applied to schools with a cheer team. I wanted to be a part of something bigger than myself. I wanted to be a representative of my university and I thought this would be the perfect way to do it. 

HC: Did you always know you wanted to cheer at FSU?

HG: Not as first. About a month into my freshman year I realized that I really missed cheerleading. I missed the sense of a community and the bonds that a team has. I then decided to try out and I made it!

HC: What are some of the biggest challenges you have faced in your cheer career?

HG: I feel like I started cheerleading late which put me at a disadvantage. It is easier to learn skills when you are younger and I always thought people were far more advanced than me. I really had to practice and focus on certain skills to be the cheerleader I am today. 

HC: Do you ever find it hard to balance school, family, and cheer?

HG: Yes, I have missed multiple family events and sometimes I am so exhausted that it is hard to do school work. I guess you could say, everything overlaps at times. I have missed bar mitzvahs, weddings, graduations and people often get upset. Ultimately, cheer is over everything and I am not going to miss it.

HC: What is a core memory from this season so far?

HG: Being eligible to travel to the Miami game because it is a true privilege. It was such an exhilarating game and weekend overall. I am very thankful that I was allowed that opportunity. 

HC: Do you feel that cheer has made you more confident?

HG: Oh yes, definitely! It is a performance sport and being a flyer often means the attention is always on you at every moment. You have to be confident to maintain that position. You can’t be timid at all, that’s when you mess up. Any time I have lacked confidence, my skills were not at the highest level they could. 

HC: What advice would you offer to those thinking about cheerleading or applying to the co-ed team in the future?

HG: Definitely try it! At first I was nervous, but I think the best thing about cheerleading is there is always a challenge involved. That is what makes it so special, you always are adding to your skill level. Chasing the adrenaline can be so exciting and the ability to gain new opportunities is endless. You are exposed to perspectives that you wouldn’t have seen otherwise. Remember to remain versatile, it is one of the most coveted aspects in co-ed cheer. Teams look for people who are dedicated and it is vital for success. 

It was such a pleasure to get the chance to talk with Hannah. To see more about her and her cheer life, follow her on Instagram!

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• athletics
• cheerleading
• co-ed
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• sports