Brenau University’s cheerleading program is under new leadership this year, after the University named former assistant cheerleading coach Bralee Housworth to head coach.
Last year was Housworth’s first year coaching at Brenau University with former head coach Krista Britt. This April, Housworth helped Britt lead the competitive cheerleading team to second place at the National Cheerleading Association College Nationals.
“It was phenomenal,” Housworth said. “It was a great year. We had a lot of challenges there towards the end of the season. But those girls really overcame everything. They left it on the mat. And bringing home a second place trophy was very exciting, both for the coaches and for the athletes.”
Housworth and the team hope to win first place at the NCA College Nationals in April.
“This semester, I really want to hit the ground running just with some getting some skills knocked out, just some basic foundational things so that we can really excel in the second semester,” Housworth said.
Housworth has a history of bridging victory to other teams as well. Before she came to Brenau, she served as East Jackson High School’s competitive cheer coach for five years. The East Jackson High School cheer team won their regional championship in 2021 under Housworth’s leadership, which was a first for the program.
Additionally, the East Jackson team placed in either the top five or the top 10 each year Housworth worked with the team.
“I was very proud of that,” Housworth said. “I mean, it took a lot of hard work, but I'm also so passionate about the sport that I don't really feel like I'm working. It's just something I really love to do. And it's a lot of fun to see that when athletes have that success, it's great to see that their hard work has paid off. I know that some of those girls are moved on and halfway through college now. And I know that those are just memories that they'll really cherish forever.”
The Brenau University competitive and spirit cheerleading teams have not had the opportunity to start practice yet due to National Association for Intercollegiate Athletics rules, but Housworth has been keeping the teams busy. She has been sending team members to help our individuals throughout Gainesville.
“We've helped some teachers during pre-planning at a local school,” Housworth said. “And I know some of our girls are helping move in freshmen and underclassmen to their dorms. I want to get our name out there not just because of our talent, but just on another level as well.”
Housworth said efforts like these battle stereotypes about cheerleaders.
“A lot of people have this misconception that cheerleaders are just girls who sit on the sidelines,” Housworth said. “They’re so much more than that, not only talent-wise but just as all-around individuals.”
Ultimately, Housworth wants the cheerleading team’s experiences on and off the mat to attract other aspiring cheerleaders to Brenau University’s cheer program.
“I want us to be so successful that when athletes graduate high school, they want to attend Brenau University because they want to be a part of our team,” Housworth said.
