Does Lehman have a Cheer Team?

By Astride Toh

"Lehman has a cheerleading team?!" is an exclamation often heard from Lehman students. However, walking the halls of the APEX center, you will see posters of teams from past decades. Teammates are seen sporting blue, white, and gold uniforms, with varying designs.  The team was formed in 1994; they placed in the top three cheer teams six times and won four conference championships. During the beginning of the pandemic they remained active, with their last update being a post on their Instagram from 2020: (“Tryout videos due JUNE 12th (Friday) ... Email for all the information you will need!” read the post. While Lehman’s athletic teams resumed their seasons in 2021-2022, the Lehman Lightning cheerleaders did not. However, two seasons later in 2022-2023 they returned as the Lehman Cheer Squad.   

During the pandemic, sports seasons halted due to the college’s shutdown. However, the cheerleaders continued training. Jasmine, a senior, joined the team as a freshman in the summer of 2020. "We all met on the running track near Yankee Stadium, and we had practiced there once a week.” The practice consisted of stretches, cardio work, dance numbers, and stunts. Jasmine joined the team through virtual tryouts. Interested students “were sent a video of a cheer, chant, and a [step by step] dance routine” to copy. This experience offered some enjoyment for Jasmine, who started her freshman year remotely. She described being on the cheer team to be "really fun".    

 Why did the team continue operating during a time of uncertainty for sports? Former coach and Captain Natalie Leon were unresponsive. However, the predecessor coach Juliette St. Fleur who assisted the team explained: "…We thought there was a possibility of the season resuming as did many athletes." Ironically, COVID had little to do with their disbandment. The main cause was “a couple of the captains graduated, and the coach is no longer around”, explained St.Fleur.   

In Fall 2022, Zayneb, a junior, received a text, “Hey, I’m restarting the cheer team. Would you be interested in joining?” The text was from her high school friend, sophomore Mijhani, who previously held an interest in joining the cheer team. While the team was skilled and dedicated, it did not have the inclusion she expected. The pictures and videos of previous teams showed members that had a range of similar physiques. “So, I wanted to make a team where more students saw themselves,” Mijhani admitted.   

Due to Mijhani not being a licensed coach, this athletic team became a student club, hence the name “Lehman Cheer Squad.” Director of Athletics, Ryan McCarthy, further explained the difference. “A student club is not funded by the athletic department nor compete against teams in the National Collegiate Athletics Association [or the CUNY Athletic Conference].” However, cheer teams can participate in CUNY’s athletic conference, CUNYAC, because the NCAA does not have a cheer division. Unfortunately, because cheer programs dissipated across CUNY, the conference’s last competition was in 2019.    

“The cheerleaders have always been under athletics, so this is the first time we have them under the Office of Campus Life (OCL),” explains David Charcape, Assistant Director of the office. They formed an executive board with Ryan McCarthy as their club advisor to establish themselves as a club.  The budget for student clubs was cut short this year, with the OCL notifying clubs of smaller funds. Normally, unused funds are transferred to the following semester. However, this year’s cuts eliminated that option. Even before the cuts, the funds could not cover the cost of their uniforms, which is $66 for a complete set.  For a team of 12 to 26 individuals, the total ranges from $792 to $1,716 per semester. To subsidize the cost, the cheerleaders have bake sales and sell cooked meals on campus.   

Their efforts have brought vibrancy to the Lehman campus. They hosted a cooking competition, a holiday show, and a self-care event.  They also cheered at home games and performed at the school’s pep rally and holiday show. Their impact has gained recognition. “We in Athletics are really glad to have them at our games.” expressed McCarthy.  “They were the best part of the prep rally,” expressed an attendee. Despite their celebrated performances, Mijhani expressed a desire for more support saying, “The road’s been rocky, but enjoyable …it’s the love for what the team does.”  

 In Fall 2022, the team faced a decision whether to search for a coach and become an official athletic team or continue as a club. Mijhani declared, “I’ll stand by whatever decision the team takes.” Ultimately, the team decided to remain a club, defending the collective dedication and the team bond they developed.  

Their dedication and teamwork of the cheer squad are constant. “They have really strong student leadership, have been very self-sustaining, and …  progressed a lot,” testifies McCarthy. Zayneb, the Vice President of the squad, said “Cheer is my way of being active…I don’t want to leave college not doing anything.” Freshman Gwendelyn supports the statement adding “Being part of a team, preparing for a game, attributes to fun in college, and gives something to look forward to.” Jaylin, also a freshman, believes that being part of a team teaches one how to stick together and the importance of boundaries, ending with “don’t let the stigma of cheerleading scare you. Presentation does matter, as you see our outfits or attitude but get to know us.” Jessica, a freshman, verifies that “getting to know them opened her up to not being scared to converse with other people.”