“The arena darkens, the music starts, and the spotlights train on the Iowa women’s basketball team bench. 

I’m in my cheer uniform, custom Tigerhawk shoes on my feet, the letters I-O-W-A on my chest. I’ve been on the road for weeks with the team because we Just. Keep. Winning.

As each player is announced, the crowd cheers and the anticipation builds. Kate, Hannah, Gabbie, Sydney. I’ve been sleeping in hotel beds, fueling on box lunches, doing homework in lobbies and coffee shops. My muscles hurt from so many consecutive events, but the time has arrived. 

They always announce Caitlin Clark last. 

Here, at the women’s NCAA Final Four Championship in Cleveland, I vault my cheer partner Rylee Jones up on one leg with both my hands, arms extended in the “liberty” formation as they announce our star player. 

The crowd roars. 

Pyrotechnics illuminate the huge arena, turning everything bright orange. I “pop” Rylee down and start bouncing around, moving to the beat of the dance music blaring from above. 

My muscles no longer ache. Once I’m on the court, it all goes away. I go numb, absorbing the energy of the crowd. With all of the screams and shouts directed towards the court, it’s loud enough to make my ears ring and I feel the sound waves literally shake my entire body. 

Phenomenal.”

-Drew Jauron (BBA24), Hawkeye cheerleader 2021-2024

As told to Amanda May 

This article appeared in the Fall 2024 issue of Tippie Magazine.