For senior Furman cheerleader Makenna Connolly, cheerleading is more than just a sport — it is a way to foster school spirit, build meaningful connections and push personal boundaries. Her journey from competitive gymnastics to becoming a vital part of Furman’s cheer team exemplifies her dedication to athletics and the school community.
Connolly’s cheerleading story began with her gymnastics background, a sport she pursued for most of her childhood. “I was spending like 50 hours a week in the gym outside of school,” she said. As a freshman in high school, Connolly sought a way to integrate her skills into a team-oriented, community-focused setting. A friend suggested cheerleading, and it has been her passion ever since.
“Cheer was a way to use my gymnastics skills and be more involved in the school community,” Connolly said. “I loved the atmosphere of football games and the chance to balance academics with something social.”
Transitioning from an individual sport like gymnastics to the collaborative world of cheer was a significant adjustment. Connolly credits cheerleading with teaching her adaptability and teamwork.
“I learned how to balance different personality types and highlight everyone’s strengths,” she said. “It’s about embracing the good qualities in people that they may not see in themselves.”
Connolly also emphasized the trust and communication that is essential to the sport. “Cheer is all about trust. Whether it is hitting a pyramid or trying a new stunt, knowing your teammates have your back makes all the difference.”
The week of April 3, 2023 stands out to her as a career highlight as Connolly represented Furman at the NCAA Nationals in Daytona, Fla. “That was our first time going to nationals in 20 years. It was special to be part of the team that redefined what cheerleading means at Furman,” she said.
The team focused not just on spirit, but also on showcasing their athleticism and hard work. “It felt amazing to show everyone how much effort we put in and to bring Furman cheerleading into the spotlight again.”
However, Connolly’s cheer journey has not been without its challenges. After Nationals in 2023, she faced a daunting setback — ankle reconstruction surgery following an injury on a tumbling pass that left her joints unstable.
“It was scary not knowing if I’d ever cheer again,” she said. The recovery process included four months in a boot before transitioning back into normal practice. With the unwavering support of her teammates and coaches, she navigated recovery and returned to the mat stronger than ever.
Through all the demanding work, Connolly notes the unique balance cheerleaders maintain — projecting joy and energy while tackling the intense physical and mental demands of the sport. “People don’t always recognize how much effort goes into cheer,” she said. “We’re in the weight room, practicing stunts and staying focused, just like every other athlete.”
Pre-game rituals, whether warming up on the field for football games or sharing encouragement before competitions, exemplify the camaraderie that fuels her enthusiasm. “We cheer each other on, even on tough days. It’s about keeping the energy positive and reminding ourselves why we love what we do,” Connolly said.
Beyond the physical elements of cheerleading, Connolly cherishes the life lessons and relationships it has brought her. “Cheer has taught me to appreciate the diverse backgrounds and experiences of my teammates,” she said. “It’s about coming together to create something greater than ourselves.”
As Connolly looks ahead, she hopes to carry the values of cheer — positivity, perseverance, and connection — into her future endeavors. “Cheer has influenced how I approach challenges and how I connect with others. It’s a part of who I am,” she said.
For Connolly, Furman cheerleading is more than a sport — it is a family, a support system and a platform to make a difference, one cheer at a time.