Most people hear the term “sport” and immediately think of football, basketball or even tennis. But for UNC Wilmington cheer coach Cherri Huggins, cheerleading is just as equal a sport as any of those. “Cheerleaders are athletes,” she said.

Huggins grew up in Texas where she spent her whole life cheering. “You either cheered or you played football,” she said. She coached high school cheer for four years and has spent three years coaching at UNCW.  Huggins has battled through criticism and put downs concerning her sport.

Abby Kuitems has been cheering for 12 years and has been a part of the Seahawk cheer squad for two.  Kuitems says she loves to cheer, and admits that she has been told her passion isn’t a sport. “I just ask them, ‘Can you throw yourself into a back-hand spring or throw someone equal to or greater than your weight in the air and then catch them?'” she said.

Cheerleading is demanding, though, and that’s not up for discussion. “The sport requires us to look fit,” Kuitems said. “We are expected to keep a good appearance and are told when we don’t.”  Huggins says that she is strict on appearance, especially at games.  The girls’ bows, earrings and makeup must be perfect.

The squad practices for two hours a day, three times a week working on their conditioning, stunts and cheers. Kuitems is a main base. This position requires her to have a strong upper and lower body, which she has to work regularly to maintain. Huggins says that there is always an optional two-hour practice at an outside competitive gym where the girls can go to get individual training.

All sports put physical and mental pressure on the athlete and Huggins and Kuitems both agree cheering isn’t any different.  Kuitems said, “There is so much pressure. Not only for appearance, but you have to prove yourself each time to cheer.” Huggins said her squad is highly competitive and that each member has to “fight for what they want.”

Just like any coach, Huggins has rules for her squad. “I am very fair,” she said. “I err on the decision of the squad.” Once she has made a rule, she enforces it. “I have had to dismiss a girl from my squad for not being patriotic during the national anthem,” Huggins added.

There is no place for a public display of affection at games, they are expected to have a clean Facebook profile, and although she doesn’t implement a curfew, going out the night before a game is not condoned. Members of the squad must maintain a 2.0 GPA and are checked regularly to make sure they keep up with those standards. “Coach says school always comes first,” Kuitems said.

Through cheerleading, Huggins teaches her squad discipline, timeliness and teamwork.  But above all, she stresses confidence and leadership. “If there is one thing I want my girls to take away from cheering, it’s leadership ability,” Huggins said.

Kuitems says the most important trait that cheering has taught her is to fight. “There is always someone gunning for your spot and someone else judging your performance,” she said. “If you want something bad enough, you won’t stop until you get it.”

Huggins doesn’t like to get into the sporting debate too often because she says there is too much red tape. Her only response is: “I am very supportive of my athletes. I am fine with knowing that I’m an athlete.”

Editor’s Note: Jackie and videographer Josh Zich walked all over the UNCW campus to find out if students think cheerleading is a sport or not. Check out this video package and comment below this article to tell us your opinion!