The Spirit of UCLA: Cheer, Dance, and Community
The UCLA Spirit Squad embodies the energy and pride of the university, representing UCLA at athletic events, campus activities, and beyond. Composed of talented cheerleaders, dancers, and the beloved mascot Joe Bruin, the Spirit Squad fosters school spirit, promotes community engagement, and supports Bruin athletes.
A Season of Spirit and Performance
The UCLA Spirit Squad has been actively involved in numerous events, showcasing their talent and dedication. The Yell Crew has had an exciting season with the resurgence of football dominance in Los Angeles as well as an exciting basketball season for both the men and women. From thrilling football games to intense basketball matchups, the squad's presence elevates the atmosphere and rallies the Bruin faithful. During basketball season, the squad showcased advanced partner stunts and pyramids, along with new routines, delighting fans in Pauley Pavilion. The team members are motivated to improve their skills through the constant positivity and encouragement of fellow teammates. They are perfecting advanced skills such as cupies and full squad libs.
With members from a wide variety of cheer backgrounds, ranging from multi-year veterans to rookies, the squad has made great strides in both skill level and the strong bonds we have forged.
The Spirit Squad also extends its reach beyond the university. In March, the UCLA Spirit Squad represented UCLA at both the Men’s and Women’s NCAA Tournaments in Austin, TX, and Columbus, OH. They both performed great at their PAC-12 Tournaments, each making it to the title game, but falling short against Oregon (men) and Stanford (women).
Battling Bruins: A Program of Support and Inspiration
The Spirit Squad continued ambassador efforts this month with a new program - Battling Bruins. Inspired by work with military service men and women, Kayley, Program Assistant of Special Logistics, put together an outreach effort that honors people who are facing or have survived hardships, such as injuries, illnesses, disabilities and military service. Participants have an opportunity to share their story with the UCLA Spirit family and receive spirit packs from the UCLA Spirit Squad. The goal is to celebrate the strength and spirit of these applicants, and inspire other Bruins who may be facing hard times.
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Joe Bruin: More Than a Mascot
Joe Bruin is an integral part of the UCLA Spirit Squad, embodying the Bruin spirit and engaging with fans of all ages. Joe Bruin has been seen more outside of football and basketball games this year and you should be ready to support him in the Capitol One Mascot Challenge next year, as he is gathering the necessary materials for a run next football season. It’s not an election year, so Joe knows you will have plenty of votes to give to him later this year.
Memories and Future Aspirations
Members of the Spirit Squad cherish their experiences and look forward to the future. One member's favorite Spirit Squad memory is beating ‘SC! Being on the field for that win during senior year was an unforgettable experience. They also loved dancing in the new Pauley Pavilion. Being one of only a few spirit squad members to have performed in old and new Pauley has made their last year on the team that much more special. After graduation, they will be moving to San Diego, looking for a job and hopefully making it up to L.A. They have nothing but fond memories of their time at UCLA. Another member recalls the Beat ’SC Rally as a particularly special night, feeling an overwhelming sense of pride and connection to fellow Bruins.
The Professionals Behind the Spirit
The UCLA Spirit Squad is guided by a team of experienced professionals dedicated to developing talent and fostering a positive environment.
Angela: Directs the UCLA Spirit Squad since December 2018, cultivates campus partnerships, promotes student leadership, and manages performances at all athletic and campus-wide events. Angela joined UCLA in August 2005 and spent the next 14 years in Alumni Affairs. She initially worked with the Student Relations and Alumni Scholarships teams, and in subsequent roles, Angela planned and executed large-scale campus traditions involving both students and alumni, such as Dinners for 12 Strangers, Spring Sing and the Beat ’SC Bonfire & Rally. As a member of the senior staff, she also participated in strategic planning and leadership development across the organization. In her most recent role, Angela’s focus shifted to career development, and her team worked to expand career programming and resources for Bruins at every stage of the career lifecycle. Before joining the staff at UCLA, Angela worked at Laufer Green Isaac, a strategic marketing and communications firm.
Conner: Grew up in Northern California but currently resides in West Hollywood. He attended California State University, Long Beach where he was a Communication Studies major, cheerleader and member of the Sigma Pi Fraternity. Conner is currently the Director of Curriculum for the United Spirit Association, a Varsity brand.
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Perla: Was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. She attended Downey High School, where she won two USA National titles. Fun fact, she was coached by UCLA Cheer Squad Head Coach, Conner, during her 4 years at Downey. After high school, Perla moved to Northern California to attend San Francisco State University where she majored in Communicative Disorders, with a minor in Special Education. During her time in San Francisco, she was a member of SFSU’s cheerleading team, where she competed at NCA and UCA College Nationals. Perla recently attended Pepperdine University, receiving her masters in Clinical Psychology. She is currently working as an associate therapist, providing psychotherapy to clients. She is currently cheering on OC All Star’s Coed Level 7 team, Shadow.
Lizzy: Grew up training and dancing competitively in the Bay Area. She went on to become a member and captain of the Cal Dance Team at UC Berkeley while earning her undergraduate degree in Psychology. Upon graduation, she returned as an Assistant Coach and later as the Head Coach of the Cal Dance Team. She also dances professionally and was a 3x member of the Golden State Warriors Dance Team. Lizzy relocated to Los Angeles to pursue her doctoral degree in Physical Therapy at the University of Southern California. As a licensed physical therapist, she is able to combine her passions and experience to treat dancers and other performing artists.
From Bruin to Gold Rush: A Dance Team Success Story
One alumna shares her journey from the UCLA Dance Team to the NFL's 49ers Gold Rush. After graduation I will be moving to San Diego, looking for a job and hopefully making it up to L.A. I have nothing but fond memories of my time at UCLA, especially those I made while I was on the Dance Team for the 2010-11 season. It’s hard to choose my favorite memory, but one particularly special night was the Beat ’SC Rally. As I performed, I felt an overwhelming sense of pride for our school and a deep connection to my fellow Bruins. When she moved on to pursue a degree in dietetics, she knew she had to find a way to continue dancing and being a part of the stadium experience. When she heard about tryouts for the 49ers Gold Rush, she decided to take a leap of faith. She is pleased to say that not only did she make the team, but she also had the opportunity to cheer at Super Bowl XLVII in New Orleans! She is so thankful to the UCLA Dance Team for giving her the training and the confidence she needed to try out for the Gold Rush.
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