Washington Spirit Team Inspires Community at Sun Bowl Cheer Camp

Junior Sydney Louie is no stranger to performing in front of massive crowds, often showcasing her cheerleading skills to audiences of 70,000 at Washington football games. But on Monday afternoon, in a room filled with 125 young cheerleading enthusiasts, the atmosphere felt much more intimate—and the impact was undeniably profound.

In the lead-up to the Sun Bowl, the Washington spirit team traded sightseeing in El Paso for something more meaningful. Alongside their Louisville counterparts, they spent the day at the Judson F. Williams Convention Center hosting the Sun Bowl Cheer Camp, teaching aspiring cheerleaders the fundamentals of dance, teamwork, and camaraderie.

Making an Impact Through Smaller Connections
“I feel like it was a lot of fun, and I think the kids really enjoyed it,” Louie shared. “I like working with smaller groups—it feels more personal and impactful.”

While Washington and Louisville’s spirit teams will compete on opposite sides of the field during the Sun Bowl, their collaboration at the camp showcased a shared commitment to uplifting local youth.

“It was great to see the Louisville cheerleaders too,” Louie added, highlighting the camaraderie between the teams.

Building a Culture of Teamwork and Respect
Senior and two-year spirit squad captain Taylor Sui emphasized that cheerleading is about much more than perfecting routines. For her, it’s the sense of teamwork and respect that truly defines the sport.

“Being on the UW spirit team has taught me the importance of being a good teammate,” Sui explained. “We pride ourselves on fostering a close-knit team culture, and that’s something we wanted to share with the participants—how teamwork and respect can create something truly special.”

This culture of connection and support has been a driving force behind the growing recognition of cheerleading as a sport. Sui believes that events like the Sun Bowl Cheer Camp are pivotal for inspiring the next generation of cheerleaders and spreading enthusiasm for the craft.

Cheerleading’s Growing Popularity
“It’s amazing to see cheerleading gaining more traction and recognition,” Sui said. “Whether we’re performing at games or participating in events like this camp, it’s exciting to share our journey and show fans that we’re working hard to support our team and raise school spirit.”

The camp also served as a reminder of the unwavering support from Washington fans, even in places as far away as El Paso.

“We’ve met so many Washington fans here—it’s incredible,” Sui said. “We’re proud to represent UW and bring energy and spirit to every event we’re part of.”

With their dedication to community outreach and fostering a positive culture, the Washington spirit team continues to elevate the role of cheerleading, inspiring fans and future athletes alike.