| Q&A with Amanda |
| Place of Residence: |
Pullman, Washington |
| Year in School: |
Senior |
| Major: |
Journalism |
| When did you first start cheerleading or dancing? |
I started dancing when I was seven years old. I was also very involved with gymnastics for eight years. I started cheerleading my junior year in high school. |
| Why did you choose the school you currently attend? |
Family values are very important to me. The majority of my family lives in Eugene, Oregon so I thought the University of Oregon was the right fit for me. : ) |
| What is the biggest difference between cheer/dance in college versus high school/all-star? |
One of the biggest differences with college cheerleading is the level of intensity. With college cheer the chants and the dances need to be ten times sharper. Also the crowd involvement during college cheer is like no other experience. |
| Most memorable moment in collegiate cheer/dance career? |
My most memorable moment was my younger brother scored his first touchdown as a University of Oregon wide receiver. |
| Most embarrassing moment in college career? |
My most embarrassing moment was during my freshman year at a U of O football game. I was in a stunt and it fell; however, the camera was on me during this time. The fall was broadcast on the jumbotron in front of the whole stadium. |
| Most influential person in your life and why? |
The most influential person in my life is my brother; he is the hardest worker that I know. He has had to overcome many hardships in his life and is a great role model. |
| My career ambition is: |
My career ambition is to become a sports broadcaster for a major company like ESPN |
| I live by the following motto: |
God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and the wisdom to know the difference. |
| Favorite course in school and why? |
My favorite course in school was my first broadcasting class. I got to film and edit my own commercial. |
| Least favorite course and why? |
My least favorite course was J202; I had to write a 100 page research paper. |
| Favorite tv show: |
CSI |
| Favorite hobbies: |
I like hanging out with friends and family, running, wakeboarding, hiking, cheering, biking and swimming. |
| Favorite sports team growing up: |
My favorite sports team growing up was the Dallas Cowboys |
| Favorite actor and actress? |
My favorite actress is Rachel McAdams and my favorite actor is Channing Tatum. |
| Favorite vacation spot: |
My favorite vacation spot is Hawaii. |
| Favorite holiday and why? |
My favorite holiday is Christmas. I love the family togetherness as well as the holiday spirit. : ) The Christmas music always gets me excited for a new year! |
| Best advice to give someone who wants to be a college cheerleader/dancer: |
The best advice that I could give someone who wants to be a college cheerleader is to continue to work hard. It may be overwhelming but with perseverance and dedication college cheerleading is an amazing and unforgettable experience. |
| No one knows this about me but… |
When I was nine years old I auditioned for the play Annie. |
| Is cheerleading/dancing a sport, why or why not? |
Cheerleading is DEFINITELY a sport! It requires athletic ability to tumble, dance as well as stunt. Cheerleaders like other athletes need to have flexibility, muscle strength, coordination and determination. |
