For my self-assigned spring semester photo story for The Diamondback, I chose to highlight the experiences of a Maryland cheerleader. While most students only see these women at games, they spend much more of their time training for the NCA nationals in April. This photo story explores the activities of the cheerleaders at practices, clinics and a basketball game.
I spent several hours learning how to make the second image, a GIF showing the necessary motions to complete a full twisting layout basket. As a former cheerleader and cheer photographer, I understand that an individual snapshot of a moment does not convey the full complexity of a stunt, especially this one. This was a new format for The Diamondback and it is my hope that other sports photographers take advantage of this format in the future.
Addison Reed, Brooke Denmark, Rylie Gross and Kerrin Kelsey perform a dismount at a team practice inside Xfinity Center Pavilion on March 4, 2025.
Maryland cheerleaders Natasha Slutzky, Kaelin Hibbs, Elizabeth Cornwell and Victoria Edozien complete a full twisting layout basket during practice in the public health school on March 10, 2025.
Maryland cheerleaders practice inside Xfinity Center Pavilion on Feb. 27, 2025.
Maryland cheerleaders practice a dismount on Feb. 27, 2025.
Maryland cheerleaders discuss their goals for practice on Feb. 27, 2025.
Natasha Slutzky, Kaelin Hibbs, Elizabeth Cornwell and Victoria Edozien practice a dismount at Maryland cheer’s practice on Feb. 27, 2025.
Maryland cheerleaders perform back handsprings during practice on Feb. 27, 2025.
Junior Lilymar Torres Santana completes a full twisting layout during Maryland cheer’s practice inside Xfinity Center Pavilion on Feb. 27, 2025.
Braedon Lambros, Maryland cheer’s strength coach, briefs cheerleaders on their workouts on March 4, 2025.
Junior Kalei Murray completes a barbell squat during one of Maryland cheer’s biweekly lift sessions inside Gossett Hall on March 4, 2025.
Senior Marissa Jarrett organizes new uniform skirts during practice on March 4, 2025.
Flyers Morgan Kim and Addison Reed practice part of the pyramid during practice on March 4, 2025. Pyramid stunts are a key and complex element of a collegiate cheerleading routine.
Assistant cheer coach Katie Hill and two Maryland cheerleaders watch high school cheerleaders practice their tumbling passes on March 7, 2025.
College prep clinic attendees warm up their right hurdler jumps on March 7, 2025.
Seniors Marissa Jarrett and Natasha Slutzky cheer during the flag drop at Maryland basketball’s game against Northwestern on March 8, 2025.
