Charlotte 49ers Cheerleading

We worked hard in the classroom this past semester too. 📚

📗13 on Chancellor’s List
📕 14 on Dean’s List
📘 30 on Athletic Director’s List
🎓 4 graduates

𝑯𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒚 𝑴𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓’𝒔 𝑫𝒂𝒚 💛 We are so thankful for our incredible cheer moms who support us, encourage us, and stand by us as we chase our dreams. Your love, encouragement, and dedication mean the world to our team. We are so thankful for everything you do!

Happy Graduation Weekend to Senior, Kraig Hanafin 🎓

Kraig has cheered for 4️⃣ years at Charlotte and is graduating with a degree in Environmental Studies. Following graduation, Kraig will be working with a non profit to plan their fundraisers. 👏🎉 We are so proud of you Kraig!

💚 Here’s a message from Kraig to his team 💚

“I hope you continue to try your best and I will always be here to support each of you no matter what! I will miss this team a ton

Happy Graduation Weekend to Senior, Braden Kneeshaw 🎓

Braden has been a part of our program as for the past 2️⃣ seasons! This weekend he is graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre with a concentration in performance as well as an Undergraduate Certificate in Musical Theatre 🎭 Following graduation, Braden is moving to Orlando, Fl to work in entertainment for the Walt Disney Company 🏰

💚 Here’s a message from Braden to his team 💚

“Thank you for putting up with my shenanigans when y’all were busy doing important things (practicing). Everyone was always so welcoming and willing to try whatever crazy stunt idea we came up with. I couldn’t have asked for a better team.” ⛏️

Happy Graduation Weekend to Senior, Rudy Hanson! 🎓

Rudy has cheered for 2️⃣ seasons at Charlotte and is graduating as a double major with a B.S in Accounting and B.S.B.A in Finance. Following graduation, Rudy is going to Vanderbilt University to obtain his Masters in Accounting. 👏

💚 Here’s a message from Rudy to his team 💚

“It has been a wonderful past two years being able to cheer with all of y’all. I am so proud and thankful for being able to have such a great group of people on my team.” ⛏️

.moreno11 is signed for the 26-27 season! 💚⛏️

Ava is from Westlake, FL where she cheered at Seminole Ridge High School and was named an All-American Cheerleader. Her team was the runner-up at the FHSAA state competition as well as a UCA National finalist. Ava was also a competitive gymnast for 14 years, ranking 7th in the nation and winning a State All-Around. 🏆

Ava plans to major in Exercise Science with plans to become an Athletic Trainer so she can help other athletes like herself. She chose to attend UNC Charlotte because it felt like home the moment she stepped on campus and she built connections with the team right away. Ava is excited for what’s ahead for her as both an athlete and person! 📣

We are so excited to have Ava join us in the fall! 🤍

Happy Graduation Week to Senior, Grace Marlowe 🎓

Grace has cheered for 4️⃣ years at Charlotte and is graduating as a Levine Scholar with a degree in Marketing and a minor in Communications. 🤗

During her time at Charlotte, Grace served as President of Dream On 3, leading efforts to create life-changing experiences for children facing serious illness. As a Levine Scholar, Grace was part of UNC Charlotte’s premier merit scholarship program, which gave her the opportunity to study abroad in Japan and grow as a leader through service. Grace turned her passion for sports into a career through Charlotte Motor Speedway, where she now works full-time in Corporate Sales Partnerships and Client Services. 🥳🎉

💚 Here’s a message from Grace to her team 💚

“Thank you for being my second family these past four years. Charlotte Cheer gave me some of the most meaningful friendships, memories, and experiences of my college career, and I could not be more grateful to have spent it with this team. I can’t wait to cheer you all on in everything ahead. Go Niners!”

is signed for the 26-27 season! 💚⛏️

Aila is from Hampstead, NC where she cheers at Topsail High School and was a member of their nationals team. She also cheered at Carolina Elite Athletics and is a Cheersport National Champion. 🏆

Aila plans to major in Pre-Business. She chose to attend UNC Charlotte because of the beautiful campus and welcoming community of staff, students, and cheer team. Aila says accepting an offer to cheer at Charlotte was one of the easiest choices she has made because of the connections she made with the team at clinics. She is excited to continue her journey as a student athlete at Charlotte. 📣

We are so excited to have Aila join us in the fall! 🤍

End of Year Banquet 2026 🤍

Our athletes had an amazing time celebrating the achievements of the 2025-2026 season. A big congratulations to our award recipients below and to our incredible senior class! 🎉🤗

💚 Rookie of the Year: Olivia Covill
💚 Most Improved: Alyssa Crouse
💚 Most Spirited: Cami Roark
💚 Leadership: Dana Moore
💚 Pick Axe: Ethan Pruitt & Kaelyn McCann
💚 Academic Achievement: Alyssa Boling

.trim is signed for the 26-27 season! 💚⛏️

Anderson is from Wake Forest, NC where she is a team captain and state champion at Heritage High School. She has also cheered at Cheer Extreme Raleigh for 11 years and is a 2x NCA National Champion, Summit Champion, and World Champion. 🏆

Anderson plans to study Business and major in Marketing. She chose to attend UNC Charlotte because of its strong business program, her love for both the campus and city, and the energy and support of the Athletics community. She is excited about the chance to grow as a student and continue her journey as a student athlete at Charlotte. 📣

We are so excited to have Anderson join us in the fall! 💚