GAINESVILLE, Ga - Nearly two dozen Brenau University students are kicking, tumbling and stunting their way into the school's history books. Under the direction of Head Cheerleading Coach Krista Britt, the university's Golden Tigers competitive cheerleading squad is gearing up for its inaugural season.

"I have 11 incoming freshmen out of a team of 19. The other eight were already Brenau students with cheerleading and dance backgrounds," Britt said. Although the university has had a "spirit squad" for many years, this is the first time the institution has had a competition squad. "The spirit squad cheers at basketball games. They basically do cheers and chants to motivate the crowd," commented Britt.

"These girls are stunters and tumblers. They're taking the good hits, but putting the phenomenal things in the air. They're flipping and flying, putting on a great show. The level of athleticism is amazing."

With just a few practices under their belts, the squad is still busy shaping their shared vision for the team. "We're all really excited. It's our first year, so we want to make it really good," said Kiah Davis, a Brenau sophomore, from Tuscaloosa, Ala. "We don't have captains, so we all give our input, but there's always going to be a natural leader. It's the natural flow of things. I think it's better that way."

Gainesville native Kristian Roebuck is looking forward to performing at the school's back-to-school pep rally today and training for competition. "I've been cheering for four years now," said Roebuck, a freshman at Brenau. "It keeps you in shape, it's fun and it keeps you motivated."

Sarah McAndrews from Marietta is also looking forward to competing on the collegiate level. "I've been doing competition cheering since third grade, basically my whole life. I did middle school and high school cheering too," said McAndrews, who is also a freshman at Brenau. "I always get the nervous butterflies. It never gets any easier, but when I'm out there, it's home. I love it."

The Brenau team is in a unique position not only because it's the school's first, it's also unique because for the first time, there's no question that the cheerleaders are full-fledged athletes. No ifs or maybes.

Last year, the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics officially sanctioned cheerleading as a sport. "Any squad that competes on the (NCAA) level, there are multiple national championships. Whereas, NAIA is going to be the pioneer, so to speak, in sanctioning and recognizing cheerleading as a sport and holding its own championships," Britt said.

"That's a huge reason why I wanted to come on board (with the Brenau team). I've been coaching for the last 15 years, so for me and what I do, this is awesome to be a part of. When I was in high school and college, cheerleading wasn't recognized as a sport. After coaching these kids for all of these years and seeing how hard they work, to have things evolve to where they are now and to have cheerleaders to finally be recognized as athletes is awesome."

Gainesville, GA - Brenau University continues to welcome their newest addition to the athletic department, competitive cheerleading. Krista Britt was named Head Coach earlier this year, and once appointed was aggressive in recruiting for Brenau University's First Competitive Cheerleading Squad. 

Recently, Coach Britt invited 9 athletes to Brenau's Campus, so that they may sign a letter of intent. The Golden Tigers celebrated this event with their newest members, which include:

Dakota Carter (Hartwell, GA), a senior from Hart County High School, who plans to study physical therapy while at Brenau.

Kayla Childers (Dallas, GA), a senior from Harrison High School. She plans to major in fashion design.

Kiah Davis (Jefferson, GA), a graduate of Jefferson High School, who also intends to study fashion design.

Kimberli Fleming (Demorest, GA) a graduate from Habersham Central High School. While studying at Brenau, she plans to acquire a degree in fashion merchandising.

Bralee Griffin (Jefferson, GA), a senior from East Jackson Comprehensive High School, has yet to declare a major.

Key'yanna Jones (Hinesville, GA) is a graduate of Liberty County High School. While competing for Brenau, she intends to study fashion design.

Wrenn Kelly (Dallas, GA), a senior from North Paulding High School plans to major in early childhood education.

Sarah McAndrew (Marietta, GA) studied at George Walton Comprehensive High School. She has announced that she plans to major in psychology.

Kristian Roebuck (Talmo, GA) chose to follow her former coach, Krista Britt, from North Hall High School to Brenau University. Once enrolled, she plans to study business and marketing.

In addition to those that have signed this past weekend, several others have been named to the roster, for the 2011-2012 season. These include:

Kiera Brewer

Chloe Golden

Kali Graham

Braiden Rudolph

Ginger Sailors

Leah Smith 

Breanne Stevenson 

Katoya Williams

These new Golden Tigers are expected to bring fresh faces, a new wave of enthusiasm, as well as camaraderie to the athletic department and campus. The student body is sure to embrace the newest chapter of Brenau's future. Not only will these women compete at the competitive cheer level, but they will also represent Brenau at horizons that have yet to be seen.

"I am looking forward to this inaugural year of competitive cheerleading at Brenau University. Having talented athletes such as these young ladies will set precedence and help us to accelerate in this competitive sport. I am honored to have the opportunity to lead these young athletes and be a part of such a monumental time at Brenau," commented Head Cheerleading Coach, Krista Britt.