Cheerleaders hit road to support Nighthawks

EVANSVILLE, Indiana — The University of North Georgia's (UNG) cheerleading squad and Nigel, the school's mascot, have arrived in Evansville, Indiana, to support the men's basketball team in the NCAA Division II championship, and the cheerleaders could not be more excited to support their fellow students on a national stage. To open the national championship, the Nighthawks face West Texas A&M in a 9:30 p.m. March 26 quarterfinal game.

This trip comes on the heels of a historic victory against Lander University in the NCAA Division II Southeast Regional championship March 19, which was in front of a record crowd of 3,767 in Lynn Cottrell Arena at the UNG Convocation Center.

"There were so many people, and everybody was so happy," Carolyn Crowe, a junior from Winder, Georgia, pursuing a degree in elementary and special education, said. "The floor was shaking. You can tell that having people there gets the players hype."

Kiley Porter, a junior from Jefferson, Georgia, pursuing a degree in middle grades education, said she and her teammates are relishing the opportunity to be in Evansville.

"It's such an exciting moment for the guys. They've grown as team, and we've grown too," Porter said. "This is the first time we've traveled, and getting to travel like this, it's a once-in-a-lifetime experience."

Reese Melvin, a senior from Talking Rock, Georgia, pursuing a degree in kinesiology, is grateful to extend her time with her teammates.

"This year has been my absolute favorite year with our team. We're so close and everyone gets along really well," Melvin said. "Seeing our men's basketball team's success this season has been extraordinary."

It's an exciting time for UNG fans, as all seven teams currently playing in sports with national rankings are in the top 25 of their respective sports.

Kyra Pena, a freshman from Augusta, Georgia, pursuing a degree in criminal justice with a minor in communication, said she appreciates the camaraderie between the basketball and cheerleading teams.

"It's super exciting. I didn't know if I was going to cheer in college. I'm so glad I did. North Georgia has a great community, lots of supporters. The basketball team wants us there," Pena said. "That relationship we have with each other helps us build on our community. It gives us unity. It gives us strength. So we are just psyched to be here and support them. We're happy to be here, loud and proud, show up and show out."