Annie Schlarmann is a freshman Liberal Arts student from Monticello, Iowa, who is finding her place on campus. She balances her coursework with a packed schedule that includes cheerleading practice, work, time with her friends, and time with her family. As a member of the college cheer team, Annie performs at home games and special events where she’s known for her energy and commitment to the squad. Born with down syndrome, she sees herself first as a student and teammate — someone who loves school spirit, being involved, and showing up for her community.
We asked Annie to share her Kirkwood cheerleading story with us and why other students should consider getting involved. Read what she shared below:
Did you cheer in high school? If so, how is college cheerleading different?
I was a cheerleader in high school and participated in several sports, including being active in dance since I was 4 years old. I loved dancing and felt that cheerleading incorporated some of the same skills. Cheerleading during high school provided me with an opportunity to show my support of our football team.
My experience as a college cheerleader is similar, but there have been some additional exciting opportunities at the college level. Besides cheering at the women’s and men’s basketball games, our team had the opportunity to perform at the Iowa Cheerleading State Championships in Des Moines. We also show our support for the community by participating in local events such as the Halloween Parade in Czech Village. I have volunteered with the Cedar Rapids Kernels and last fall at a Cedar Rapids Roughriders game, which was a new experience for me.
What inspired you to try out for the college squad?
I love meeting new people and showing my support for others, so being a Kirkwood cheerleader was a perfect fit. I was also looking for ways to become involved and feel more comfortable in my new environment at college. Prior to starting classes at Kirkwood in the fall, I had already been on campus many times for cheerleading practices, so I felt comfortable on campus. I had also met several new friends through cheerleading, so it was nice to see familiar faces on campus.
What do you enjoy most about being part of the team?
I love supporting others, and being a cheerleader provides me with a unique way of showing my support for Kirkwood athletes. I also enjoy interacting with other Kirkwood students, and being a cheerleader provides me with many opportunities to do so.
How do your teammates support you?
My teammates have been very supportive of me and always encourage me to do my best in practice as well as performances. Being a college student, and being involved with a college team, are new experiences for me, but my teammates have made me feel welcome. My coaches, Sarah and Bailey, are very helpful and willing to assist me in any way they can. Even before I participated in tryouts, they invited me to a game to see firsthand what the cheerleaders do during the game.
How do you balance cheerleading with your classes and other responsibilities?
In addition to being a full-time student and cheerleader, I also have three part-time jobs in the evenings and on the weekends. It is challenging to fit it all in, so I appreciate that my coaches and teammates are flexible and willing to accommodate when needed.
What kinds of events do you cheer for?
Primarily, I cheer at the men’s and women’s basketball games, but our team has also participated in the Jefferson High School Showcase in Cedar Rapids as well as the Iowa Cheerleading State Championships in Des Moines.
What’s your favorite cheerleading memory so far?
My favorite memory so far has been participating as a team at the Universal Cheerleaders Association Cheer Camp in Wisconsin Dells this past summer. This was a special experience because we were able to spend a long time together (three consecutive days for 10 – 12 hours each day) building our skills but also building our friendships. It really helped me get to know my team and feel comfortable with cheer techniques.
What skills have you gained from being on the cheer squad?
I have gained confidence in my skills as a cheerleader, but maybe even more important is that I am working on my time management skills, as I need to find ways to balance my commitment to academics, cheerleading, my jobs, and my family.
How has cheerleading helped you grow as a person or leader?
Each time I try something new and am successful, I build my confidence. And, as someone with a disability, it is encouraging to know that I can be part of the same experiences as others, but it is up to me to take the first step to get involved.
Can you tell us about a moment when you really felt like you belonged here at Kirkwood?
For me, it is the little things that make me feel included and welcomed as part of the cheerleading team. Some of my teammates offered to help me with my makeup and hair at cheer camp at the Wisconsin Dells. I had another teammate who offered her shoes when I forgot mine for a performance. I love it when one of my teammates sees me on campus and stops to talk with me. I also know I can always reach out to my coaches with any questions, and they are quick to respond and to help me in any way they can.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about joining Kirkwood’s cheer squad?
Reach out and meet with coaches who can answer your questions and make you feel more confident trying something new. Also see if there is an opportunity to meet with any of the teammates to hear more about their experience. Trying something new can be hard, but think ahead about the new friendships and experiences you will have.
Anything else you’d like to share?
Kirkwood Community College is a great place to be! My experience has been awesome. The faculty, coaches, and even other students are always willing to help and make you feel comfortable, which is important when you make big life changes.
What the Coaches Had To Say:
We also asked cheer coaches Sarah Trinkle and Bailey Bacon about Annie and what she brings to the team. Here’s what they shared with us:
“Annie is such a light on the team,” Sarah said. “She has a ton of spirit that really radiates to those around her. She has already grown a lot in her time on the cheer team. She has made a group of friends on the team she hangs out with. She is fun to be around and has worked on new skills she’s been performing at games.”
When asked what a diverse team — including athletes with disabilities — brings to the Kirkwood cheer program, Sarah shared, “It helps the team to learn about others and to help them learn to work with and become friends with athletes with disabilities. It strengthens our program and really helps grow life skills for everyone when it comes to helping others.”
Want to learn more about cheerleading at Kirkwood? Start here.