Spirit Squad Receives 2021 National Championship Rings

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – For the second consecutive year, the Tennessee spirit squad will receive national championship rings for their performances at the 2021 UCA & UDA College Cheerleading and Dance National Championships in April.

The Tennessee cheer squad defended its title in the Division 1A Game Day competition, while the Dance Team also finished first in the Division 1A Game Day category.

The rings symbolize a seventh national title for the dance team while the cheer team picked up its second title in the Division 1A Game Day Competition.

"It is an absolute honor and privilege for the program to win two Game Day championships back-to-back," cheer coach Chelsea Bowlin said. "I am excited for what the future of this program will bring.

"Throughout the past three seasons that I have been the head coach, these athletes have not only been working together to achieve a goal for the present, but we have also set standards that this team will live by for the foreseeable future of this program. Ensuring future success is something you could never put a value on."

The rings that members of the cheer team received have the words "Back-to-Back" engraved in the rings to illustrate their accomplishments.

Tennessee senior cheerleader Jonathan Taylor reflected on the cheer program's second national title.

"It's an unbelievable feeling to win a second consecutive title," Taylor said. "The feeling of winning back-to-back gameday national championships is like no other, especially because that is what we expect to do at Tennessee.

"This is more than just stunts to us. It's about the fan experience and changing lives every time we put on that power T."

Junior cheerleader Caroline Simpson strives to positively impact fans while performing on the sidelines.

"We understand we are doing something bigger than just cheerleading," Simpson said. "We aim to change lives. For us, we take that mat together and share our love and passion for Tennessee with everyone. That is what Tennessee is all about."

The dance team claimed their fourth national title in seven years, claiming a first-place finish in the Division 1A Game Day Dance Competition.

Dance coach Kelley Tafazzoli indicates that the standard is to work hard every day.

"Winning the Game Day National Championship was such a proud moment program-wide. It represents what our student-athletes at the University of Tennessee do day in and day out. We are honored to wear the Power T at sporting events, in the community and at nationals. Having the opportunity to showcase what we do on the sidelines is an absolute privilege, but coming home as National Champions is beyond rewarding."

Junior dance team member Taylor Tarquin uttered the importance of the rings and how they symbolize the success of the team.

"The ring means so much more when you have given it your all," Tarquin said. "Not only is the ring a symbol of achievement for the dance team, but the spirit program as a whole. I am honored to be part of this Tennessee family and we are thrilled to get back at it soon!"

The rings that the dance team received have the word "Believe" engraved in them, as belief is a key ingredient in winning a national championship.

Madison Russell, a senior member of the dance team, says the team is focused on sustaining success and improving season after season.

"After understanding what it takes to become a National Champ, it sets the bar high for the next year as our biggest competition is ourselves," Russell said. "We know what it takes to win and want to push ourselves to be a better team than the year before. The rings awarded are a symbol of hard work, dedication, and gratitude towards everyone involved in the process."

University of Tennessee Athletics

Spirit Squad Receives 2021 National Championship Rings

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Madison Russell

Caroline Simpson

Taylor Tarquin

Jonathan Taylor

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