EMILIE - Owner & Head Coach

Nickname: Em / Ems

Age: 28

What are you currently studying: Studying to become "Chartered" in Procurement & Supply. Already have an Honours Degree: Business and Law

What industry do you work in: Procurement for the NHS, Owner of Plymouth Cheerleaders. 

Seasons as a cheerleader: Since 2010 in the Elite team, 10 seasons in total due to a break for University 

What inspired you to become part of the team: When I was 3 I would watch the Plymouth Raiders Cheerleaders and always aspired to be on the team. Raiders was a huge part of my families life and I wanted them to see me dance and follow my dreams. 

What aspect of being on the cheerleading squad brings you the most joy: Watching the Elites and students develop, perform and make incredible achievements. I get so much satisfaction knowing my actions can help others achieve their goals and dreams. 
Share with us your background in dance: 

- Trained in Dance and Performing Arts since I was 3 years old. Completed my main training at Italia Conti. Specialised in Ballet, Tap, Contemporary, Jazz, Modern, Commercial, Lyrical, Disco, Freestyle, Rock n Roll, Musical Theatre, Singing & Acting.

- Successfully auditioned and obtained a place within 3 Performing Arts Schools, attending Hammond.

- Performed at Piccadilly Theatre and Her Majesty’s Theatre in London and in 5 professional productions. Various local performances with Italia Conti Plymouth and the Plymouth Raiders Cheerleaders. 

- British Cheerleading Association qualification 

- Being contacted with 24 hours’ notice (for security reasons) of a secret visit to Plymouth by Jacob Zuma (President of South Africa). Within 24 hours we had to put together a show for him and his entourage. 

Which song from this season stands out as your favourite to perform to: Trumpets - Savage 
Are there any hidden skills or talents you possess: Singing 
Favourite colour: White 
Favourite TV show: Big Bang Theory 
Favourite food: Lasagna
What’s the one thing you couldn’t imagine living without: Joey 

NATALIE - General Manager & Assistant Coach

Nickname: Nat / Catalie

What industry do you work in: 

- Full time mummy

- General Manager for Plymouth Cheerleaders

- Shift Supervisor - Restaurant 

Age: 35

Seasons as a cheerleader: Since 2003, 10 seasons in total due to taking a break

What made you want to join the team? Love of dance and basketball a perfect match

What aspect of being on the cheerleading squad brings you the most joy: The life long friendships I've made and the pure adrenaline rush you get before heading out on court.
Share with us your background in dance: Teen vision into high vision for the Plymouth Raiders and then Plymouth Cheerleaders
Which song from this season stands out as your favourite to perform to: I don't think I could pick just 1. Mines - Trumpet's, Ems - Hairspray, Katie - Can't handle
Are there any hidden skills or talents you possess: I can roll my tongue and then hold it in half.
Favourite colour: Green
Favourite TV show: Handmaids Tale
Favourite food: Roast beef / lamb
What’s the one thing you couldn’t imagine living without: Family. I would be lost with my tribe

KATIE - Assistant Coach

Nickname: KitKat

Age: 21

What industry do you work in: 

- I work with children and young people with special needs

- A gymnastics coach teaching recreational and team level from ages 4-16,

- I am Assistant Coach for Plymouth Cheerleaders teaching children from ages 4-18+.

- I also have a small Etsy jewellery business called “KatsBeads” and with every purchase I make a donation to cat charities.

Seasons as a cheerleader: 5 seasons

What made you want to join the team? Since watching the basketball with my brother from a very young age, I have always wanted to be a cheerleader. I love nothing more than dancing and performing so as soon as I was old enough I auditioned, and it has been one of the best decisions I have made.

What aspect of being on the cheerleading squad brings you the most joy: Getting to perform with my friends in front of such an active crowd - my home has always been on stage. I love choreographing and teaching routines and having them be performed in front of a crowd, and getting to teach our Academy, Inters, Junior and Kids teams and to watch them perform and make great accomplishments. Seeing them grow in dance ability and confidence is the best reward.
Share with us your background in dance: Have been consistently dancing since the age of 3, firstly at Hi-Kix Dance Centre studying Tap, Modern, and Ballet. At 16, I went on to study at City College Plymouth and specialised in Contemporary, Lyrical, Tap, Ballet, Commercial, Musical Theatre, Jazz, and Street, and I achieved a Level 3 Diploma. I have now graduated University with a Foundation Degree in Dance and Performing Arts.
Which song from this season stands out as your favourite to perform to: Queen - Don’t stop me now
Are there any hidden skills or talents you possess: No
Favourite colour: Pink
Favourite TV show: Gavin and Stacey
Favourite food: Spaghetti Bolognese
What’s the one thing you couldn’t imagine living without: My bed 😂 the ultimate sleepy girl ...And cats!

GABRIELLA 

Nickname: Gabs

Age: 20

What industry do you work in: Logistics, studying Business Admin

Seasons as a cheerleader: This is my 5th season

What inspired you to become part of the team: I always wanted to be a cheerleader. 

What aspect of being on the cheerleading squad brings you the most joy: Making friends for life and performing
Share with us your background in dance: I studied a diploma and extended diploma in dance doing ballet, tap, jazz and contemporary.
Which song from this season stands out as your favourite to perform to: Voulez-Vous
Are there any hidden skills or talents you possess: Bilingual
Favourite colour: Pink
Favourite TV show: The Apprentice
Favourite food: Pasta
What’s the one thing you couldn’t imagine living without: Glitter spray on game day

NAMARNI

Nickname: Nam

Age: 21

What industry do you work in: Working towards my teaching degree 

Seasons as a cheerleader: This is my 5th season

What inspired you to become part of the team: I love to perform and it looked like so much fun.  

What aspect of being on the cheerleading squad brings you the most joy: Learning all the new routines and gamedays!
Share with us your background in dance: Started dance at the age of 8 and i've not stopped since. I've competed in numerous styles of dance and now have a Bachelors Degree in Dance and Performance.
Which song from this season stands out as your favourite to perform to: Voulez-Vous
Are there any hidden skills or talents you possess: I can make guinea pig noises.
Favourite colour: Red
Favourite TV show: Peaky Blinders or Vampire Diaries
Favourite food: Bangers and mash
What’s the one thing you couldn’t imagine living without: My books! I swear I have a library.

TANYA

Nickname: T

Age: 22

What industry do you work in: Nail Technician alongside working in a cafe  

Seasons as a cheerleader: This is my 5th season

What inspired you to become part of the team: Danced from a young age so wanted to carry on my dance journey. 

What aspect of being on the cheerleading squad brings you the most joy: Hard to pick but definitely the friends you get to meet and being able to dance with them each week
Share with us your background in dance: Started dancing when I was 2 years old! Studied a diploma and extended diploma in dance doing tap, jazz, ballet, contemporary, commercial and musical theatre. I then joined cheerleading and am thankful I am still part of the team
Which song from this season stands out as your favourite to perform to: You can’t stop the beat and Rude Boy 
Are there any hidden skills or talents you possess: Gym freak so can hipthrust 208kg
Favourite colour: Pink
Favourite TV show: Love Island / Gossip Girl
Favourite food: Fajitas
What’s the one thing you couldn’t imagine living without: My family and always having a holiday booked 

LAURA

Nickname: Lazza / Puds

Age: 19

What are you currently studying: University studying Spanish and sport and exercise science

Seasons as a cheerleader: 3 seasons as an Elite, 1 season in the Academy Squad, and attending all the cheerleader camps growing up. 

What inspired you to become part of the team: I wanted to be apart of the team for as long as I can remember, I watched nearly all the games and just couldn’t wait to turn 16 to audition and progress from juniors!! 

What aspect of being on the cheerleading squad brings you the most joy: Getting to watch the basketball whilst doing what I love most (dancing) with the people I love most! And a pre game TikTok of course 
Share with us your background in dance: Plymouth Raiders Cheerleaders : Juniors
Which song from this season stands out as your favourite to perform to: Flo Rida - Can’t handle 
Are there any hidden skills or talents you possess: Speak Spanish 
Favourite colour: Green and Yellow
Favourite TV show: Strictly come dancing
Favourite food: Veggie lasagne / Percy pigs
What’s the one thing you couldn’t imagine living without: My dog Maliboo

COURTNEY

Nickname: Court

Age: 26

What are you currently studying: Personal training and lash extension course

What industry do you work in: Hospitality - Barista 

Seasons as a cheerleader: This is my 1st season

What inspired you to become part of the team: Love dancing and basketball always wanted to be a cheerleader since I was little. 

What aspect of being on the cheerleading squad brings you the most joy: Meeting new people and performing at the basketball games. 
Share with us your background in dance: Started dancing age 13 with different street dance competition teams then studied performing arts at college. 
Which song from this season stands out as your favourite to perform to: Rude Boy - Rihanna
Are there any hidden skills or talents you possess: Latte art
Favourite colour: Pink
Favourite TV show: Married at first site
Favourite food: Pineapple
What’s the one thing you couldn’t imagine living without: Coffee 

TAEGEN

Nickname: n/a

Age: 20

What industry do you work in: Healthcare Assistant

Seasons as a cheerleader: This is my 2nd season

What inspired you to become part of the team: Something new and exciting

What aspect of being on the cheerleading squad brings you the most joy: Feels like family and learning new routines. Dancing with the girls is always an unreal experience!
Share with us your background in dance: Local dance studio when I was younger.
Which song from this season stands out as your favourite to perform to: Ooo to many but I love fireball and queen
Are there any hidden skills or talents you possess: Sleeping haha 
Favourite colour: Definitely love pastel colours like pink blue and purple
Favourite TV show: Vampire Diaries
Favourite food: I love carbonara (anything to do with pasta) and pizza
What’s the one thing you couldn’t imagine living without: Family/pets

AMY

Nickname: Aims

Age: 18

What are you currently studying: I’m studying a-level art, photography and graphic design

What industry do you work in: I work in retail

Seasons as a cheerleader: This is my 2nd season

What inspired you to become part of the team: I went to watch’s game and fell in love with the atmosphere the cheerleaders brought to the game

What aspect of being on the cheerleading squad brings you the most joy: How many friends I’ve made that are of different ages. 
Share with us your background in dance: I’ve been dancing since I was about 2 doing ballet tap modern and musical theatre
Which song from this season stands out as your favourite to perform to: You can’t stop the beat from the musical hairspray
Are there any hidden skills or talents you possess: I can make my tongue look like a flower
Favourite colour: Purple
Favourite TV show: Queen Charlotte - Netflix
Favourite food: Anything Italian
What’s the one thing you couldn’t imagine living without: My family, my mum and dad are my personal taxis, no I’m joking I love them a lot

IRIS

Nickname: n/a

Age: 19

What industry do you work in: Hair Stylist

Seasons as a cheerleader: This is my 1st season

What inspired you to become part of the team: I used to dance when I was younger, and I used to always watch the basketball games which made me want to audition

What aspect of being on the cheerleading squad brings you the most joy: Game day!!! and the friendships i've made
Share with us your background in dance: Ballet, acro and lyrical
Which song from this season stands out as your favourite to perform to: Voulez-Vous - Mamma Mia 
Are there any hidden skills or talents you possess: I can do the worm 
Favourite colour: Pink
Favourite TV show: Shameless
Favourite food: Pizza 
What’s the one thing you couldn’t imagine living without: My cat

EBONY

Nickname: Ebs

Age: 20

What are you currently studying: University studying Illustration

Seasons as a cheerleader: This is my 3rd season

What inspired you to become part of the team: I’ve always loved dancing and my online cheer class with Emilie during COVID made me want to join the team

What aspect of being on the cheerleading squad brings you the most joy: Gameday!!
Share with us your background in dance: 3 years of competitive street dance and now 3 years of cheer
Which song from this season stands out as your favourite to perform to: Club can’t handle me – Flo Rida
Are there any hidden skills or talents you possess: No
Favourite colour: Yellow
Favourite TV show: TV Show
Favourite food: Baguette
What’s the one thing you couldn’t imagine living without: The sea

CHLOE

Nickname: Chlo

Age: 14

What are you currently studying: Still in full time education

Seasons as a cheerleader: 1st season as an Elite, 2 seasons in the Academy squad 

What inspired you to become part of the team: I am a former academy cheerleader and have always wanted to be a part of the “big girls”!

What aspect of being on the cheerleading squad brings you the most joy: Constantly being surrounded by a group of amazing girls who are all doing something they love!
Share with us your background in dance: Experience in Freestyle Dance, Academy Cheerleaders
Which song from this season stands out as your favourite to perform to: Flo Rida - Can’t handle 
Are there any hidden skills or talents you possess: Not that I know of! 
Favourite colour: Green
Favourite TV show: The step up films
Favourite food: Pizza
What’s the one thing you couldn’t imagine living without: My bed

TIA

Nickname: TT

Age: 16

What are you currently studying: Childcare and Healthcare

Seasons as a cheerleader: 1st season as an Elite, 2 seasons in the Academy squad 

What inspired you to become part of the team: It was my Nannas dream to see me dance for the Plymouth Cheerleaders since getting into basketball. When she passed away I made it one of my choices to pursue her dream and once I had joined the Academy I was so inspired to join the Elite team. 

What aspect of being on the cheerleading squad brings you the most joy: How supportive we are of each other. Knowing that our training sessions each week is such a safe place for me and we all have each others backs. People can see how close we are and the true friendships we have as a group on game days. 
Share with us your background in dance: I have danced since I was 2 years old. I studied ballet, tap, latin, ballroom and street dance. I then become a cheerleader. 
Which song from this season stands out as your favourite to perform to: Voulez-Vous - Mamma Mia 
Are there any hidden skills or talents you possess: I can shake my eyes
Favourite colour: Baby Pink
Favourite TV show: Friends
Favourite food: Pasta
What’s the one thing you couldn’t imagine living without: My dog and family 

AMY

Nickname: Ames

Age: 17

What are you currently studying: Beauty Therapy

What industry do you work in: Hospitality

Seasons as a cheerleader: This is my 1st season

What inspired you to become part of the team: I was inspired to join the team because I've always loved dancing and loved how amazing the cheerleaders were and the opportunities available.

What aspect of being on the cheerleading squad brings you the most joy: I was inspired to join the team because I've always loved dancing and loved how amazing the cheerleaders were and the opportunities.
Share with us your background in dance: I started dancing in year 7 with the school i used to go to and we would get to perform at Raiders once a year. After that I cheered for Argyle and speedway gladiators
Which song from this season stands out as your favourite to perform to: Voulez-Vous - Mamma Mia 
Are there any hidden skills or talents you possess: No
Favourite colour: Pink
Favourite TV show: My mad fat diary 
Favourite food: Pasta
What’s the one thing you couldn’t imagine living without: Lashes

KATHERINE

Nickname: 

Age: 

What are you currently studying: On a gap year and will be studying English Literature next year.

What industry do you work in: Bar work

Seasons as a cheerleader: This is my 2nd season

What inspired you to become part of the team: Positive vibes and fun dances

What aspect of being on the cheerleading squad brings you the most joy: The friends I have made for life
Share with us your background in dance: 8 years dance experience, 2 years cheer
Which song from this season stands out as your favourite to perform to: Club can’t handle me – Flo Rida
Are there any hidden skills or talents you possess: Singing (More of a hobby than a talent)
Favourite colour: Purple
Favourite TV show: Friends
Favourite food: Olives
What’s the one thing you couldn’t imagine living without: My Crocs