Columbia College Adds Cheerleading to Athletics Program

Building upon the recent growth and development of Koala Athletics, Columbia College is excited to announce the addition of cheerleading to its athletic program, starting Fall 2024.

Director of Athletics Glen Crawford shared, “Cheerleading has rapidly gained prominence in the athletic world, and we’re eager to see the positive impact it will have on our campus. Our history of success and evolving athletic program make this the perfect addition, boosting both athletic opportunities and school spirit for our students.”

The first Columbia College Cheerleading squad appeared in the 1975 Columbian, the College’s annual publication, with a mission of “bringing added spirit to basketball games.” Throughout its history, Columbia College has housed various “Spirit Squads” and “Cheer Teams,” each with a unique name but all aimed at fostering school spirit and a vibrant campus life.

Current Columbia College Instructional Designer Holly Sawyers will serve as the Head Cheerleading Coach for the Koalas. Sawyers brings extensive cheerleading experience, from Pop Warner at age 8 to professional cheer as an adult. Her expertise is expected to set the Columbia College Cheerleading Program up for a successful first season and a promising future.

Sawyers expressed her enthusiasm: “I’m excited to enhance Columbia College Athletics with cheerleading and to build a new community here on campus. Cheerleading will offer Koalas a chance to engage with the surrounding community while elevating the culture of our current athletic offerings.”

The recruitment process has already begun. Interested in joining the team? Fall tryouts are tentatively planned for August once school begins. Please send tryout videos to Coach Sawyers.

Columbia College is a proud member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and the competitive Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC). With an enrollment of 1,200 students, the campus in Columbia, SC, is dedicated to providing a supportive and dynamic environment for student-athletes. The College offers athletic scholarships to talented student-athletes, providing an opportunity to save on college tuition while playing the sport they love.

For more updates on Columbia College’s cheerleading program and all things cheerleading, keep following Cheer Daily. Connect with us on X (formerly Twitter!)