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Becoming a UGA cheerleader has been my greatest accomplishment in life and I see it as being a great honor. It has not always been easy, but I can say with 100 percent certainty that it has all been worth it.
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– Abbey Coppenger UGA Cheerleader
Abbey with Uga X.
Photo: Danny Griffin • Hair & Makeup: Nancy Riley-James
IMAGINE LEADING OVER 90,000 FANATIC FANS IN THE GEORGIA WAR CRY, “GOOOOOO DAWGS! SIC ‘EM! WOOF, WOOF, WOOF!” FOR CHEERLEADER ABBEY COPPENGER, IT’S JUST ANOTHER DAY BETWEEN THE HEDGES. Entering her fourth year as a varsity cheerleader, senior Abbey Coppenger understands the unique fan spirit that is the Georgia Bulldogs. “Georgia has the best fan base in the country,” said Coppenger. “Whether it be football, basketball, baseball, or even swimming, they’re always there. The weather doesn’t matter. Our fans stick it out.” With over 40 squad members, they not only cheer for the team during the game, but they also drive around campus in three trucks before every home game, meeting fans and getting pictures before the traditional Dawg Walk. “We drive all over campus, getting people pumped up for the game,” she said. “It’s great to get up close and personal with the fans.” During the game, Coppenger and her teammates lead the crowd in harmonious chants of traditional cheers, but the one she says gets the whole stadium going is “Georgia-Bulldogs”. “The squad splits up to have half on the alumni side of the stadium and the other half on the student side,” said Coppenger. “We get one side started by yelling, ‘Georgia’ to the other side; the other side then replies, ‘Bulldogs’. It’s a cheer that gets almost 90,000 fans going. It’s definitely one of the loudest!” Coppenger views her position for her school as a privilege. “As cheerleaders, we are held to a very high standard – as students, as athletes, as school advocates and as role models for all ages.” Her last three years on the cheerleading team have been rewarding as countless opportunities have opened up to meet fellow bulldog fans. The experience has given Coppenger the chance to bond with hundreds of people as they each take pride of the University of Georgia. “Becoming a UGA cheerleader and having continued to be able to be one until now has been my greatest accomplishment in life and I see it as being a great honor,” said Coppenger. “It has not always been easy, but I can say with 100 percent certainty that it has all been worth it.”
SO YOU WANT TO BE A UGA
CHEERLEADER?
It’s not all pom-poms and a pretty face. For young girls who dream of wearing the red and black uniform, they must be ready for one of the toughest tryouts in cheerleading competition. “Those trying out must have tumbling and stunting skills as well as dance and cheer experience,” said Coppenger. “Judges also observe how you interact with others and your
willingness to learn.” Is it worth it? “Absolutely, 100 percent,” declares Coppenger. “I wouldn’t trade it for anything!”
DID YOU KNOW? 74
S OUT H MAGA ZI NE.C OM
UGA cheerleaders do not receive scholarships for cheering but can receive a stipend at the end of each semester if they achieve grade requirements and have been an outstanding representative of the University.