SHAE ANDERSON

Class: 2009

Major: Biology

Career aspirations…

My career aspirations include pediatric surgery as well as a newly-developed interest in orthopedics and sports medicine, which is thanks to my experience with Duke Athletics and observing first hand the benefits and excitement of working with sports teams.

Cheerleading background…

I participated in gymnastics and soccer from five years of age all the way up through high school. Since the time I found out I would be attending Duke, I knew wanted to be a Duke Cheerleader. My years of gymnastics and one year of high school cheering helped me transition smoothly into collegiate cheerleading.

What is the most rewarding part of cheering for Duke Basketball and what is the most challenging aspect?

The most rewarding part of cheering for Duke Basketball is being part of such an astounding basketball legacy and all of the enthusiasm for the game that that encompasses. I’m so thankful for being able to share this experience with a group of great girls and for being in a position where a simple wave, autograph, or picture will make the day of almost any young Duke fan and put a huge smile on his or her face, especially those four-year-old girls aspiring to become Duke Cheerleaders.

What is a typical week like for you during the basketball season?

A typical week of practice might be around ten hours a week depending on the game schedule and will include rehearsing choreography, learning new dances, conditioning and cardio workouts, as well as tumbling practices.

Something about the Duke Cheerleading team that Duke fans would be surprised to know…

Our team is a very close-knit group of girls and when we travel, our favorite team activity is playing a game called Catch Phrase in the hotel. The object of the game is to try and get members of your team to guess a specific word by giving them clues. It is something we love and get really into. I’m a little embarrassed to admit that we’ve even been asked to quiet down while playing the game before.

What has been the exciting moment in Cameron this year?

One of the most exciting times for me this season was when Duke trailed NC State at the half but quickly got things together for the win by sinking one lofty three pointer after another and by connecting passes down the court that finished with an impressive dunk. It is always exciting any time we secure a lead with a great play because the Cameron Crazies and fans (including Crazy Towel Guy) start cheering uncontrollably. I find myself laughing along with the excitement and blown away by the noise — We must have set some sort of record by now!

What is the process and what are the requirements for a person to become a member of the Duke Cheerleading Team? How many usually try out?

Tryouts are held at the beginning of every Fall term for the new freshman class or other upperclassmen wishing to cheer for football and women’s basketball. Another set of tryouts are held at the end of the Spring term for rising sophomores and upperclassmen wishing to cheer for football and men’s basketball. The numbers of those who try out range from about 20 to 40 girls. We look for girls who have the skills to learn and perform dances, good jumps and tumbling, confidence, an ability to get a crowd going, and a big smile!

What has been the most memorable moment you have witnessed in Cameron?

One of the most memorable moments I have witnessed in Cameron is when J.J. Redick’s jersey was retired. It was great to see how he continued to develop both on and off the court since his time at Duke concluded. His appreciation for his experience with Duke Basketball and its profound impact, which he will continue to carry with him, gave me a better perspective on the four years I will spend cheering at Duke. It made me realize that although my time in Cameron may be short, my memories and experiences will extend far beyond my graduation date.

What advice would you give to a high school freshman who wants to get into Duke in four years and become a cheerleader?

I would advise anyone wanting to cheer for Duke to keep working hard on perfecting dancing, jumps, tumbling, and general fitness. Endurance is an absolute necessity for cheering through long football games and for withstanding the heat generated inside of Cameron! If you are currently involved in other sports or activities, I would advise you to pursue those along with cheerleading because we are a very dynamic team that likes to incorporate a variety of athletic and dance backgrounds.

What is your favorite Cameron Indoor Stadium tradition and do you have a favorite cheer or band song?

My favorite Cameron tradition is how the Crazies affectionately give a warm “Hiya so-and-so” during pre-game introductions to welcome every opposing player and coach by name. And, although I feel pretty silly doing the Rock Lobster dance, it is unique to Duke Cheerleading and is another tradition that is so much fun to do.

What kinds of activities does your team participate in outside of basketball games?

In addition to cheering at games, the team also participates in general sports promotion and school spirit events around campus. Duke Cheerleading volunteers to host instructional clinics for middle and high school cheerleading teams a couple times a year. We are also involved in the Read with the Blue Devils Program, Habitat for Humanity, the Urban Ministries Soup Kitchen, and even volunteering at cheerleading birthday parties.

I know a number of schools offer scholarships to cheerleaders but Duke doesn’t. What are the positives and negatives of this?

The positive of not having scholarships for Duke cheerleaders is that Duke Cheerleading is not in competition with other schools for cheerleaders or their cheerleading program. By recruiting girls who are already invested in Duke, we can select cheerleaders that already have a love for Duke University in order to build a team that is specific to the demands and traditions of cheering for Duke athletics. The negative of not offering scholarships is that we sometimes lose very talented and experienced cheerleaders to schools with a competitive cheerleading program.

You get to watch the basketball games so close to the action. What have you learned about Duke Basketball while having the opportunity to watch from that vantage point?

Being courtside, I have learned how well the players communicate and encourage one another during the game. I can tell that the team and coaches are like a family that’s always there cheering you on, but isn’t afraid to give you tough love when it’s needed.

In three sentences or less, how would you describe gameday in Cameron to a person who has never stepped foot in Cameron?

On game day, you’ll be shocked to see the dedication of all of the fans who sleep on sidewalks or in tents just to be there. You’ll be awed and inspired by the high level of play and passion that Duke’s basketball players and coaches bring to the court. You will be overwhelmed by the witty cheers, energy, and noise that fill Cameron Indoor Stadium.

You do a number of routines involving lots of skill and practice in front of a large and passionate crowd. With that in mind, what are your emotions like during a game?

Regardless of the outcome of the game, I am always proud to wear Duke Blue. Throughout the game, there are a lot of moments of intense excitement roused by the players and fans. In general, the atmosphere in Cameron is a very inviting one and I rarely get nervous when performing during time-outs or pre-game. There is always an overarching air of confidence in Cameron Indoor that gives me a lot of faith in the team and crushes any anxious feelings I may have going into a game.