Hargrave signs with McKendree to continue cheerleading career

Jacy Hargrave has decided to not only continue her education, but to also continue her cheerleading career at McKendree University in Lebanon. 

Jacy, the daughter of Tim and Angie Hargrave, has been cheering for 12 years and competing since she was 6 years old. 

She attends Anna-Jonesboro Community High School and cheers at Pride of Illinois as a member of Phoenix, a Senior 5 Coed Team, currently coached by Grant Falter and Tarra Morris. 

Jacy will be pursuing a major in biopsychology, with a minor in art preparation, for a career in art therapy and child psychology

“I am excited to cheer and pursue the field that will give me my career. I am also hoping to find great friendships that will last me a lifetime and to go to a new competition that I’ve never been to,” Jacy shared in a news release from the university which announced her signing.

Jacy also extended a special thanks to Will Esteves of GymTyme All Stars for being an amazing off-season tumbling coach.

“We are very excited to have Jacy join our Bearcat cheerleading family. She brings a tremendous amount of skills and experience that will help take our program to the next level. We cannot wait to watch her finish her successful career at Pride of Illinois and transition to a collegiate cheerleader,” McKendree University cheerleading head coach Bianca Bergman said.

McKendree University cheerleading has had a steadily growing program over the last five years. 

The cheerleading program currently has over 40 members and they all receive scholarships. 

The McKendree University cheerleading mission is to provide a positive life experience through physical, emotional and academic development. 

Within the last five years of competing, McKendree cheerleading has had multiple top three finishes. 

The squad plans to attend the UCA Collegiate Nationals in Orlando, Fla., which are scheduled Jan. 16-21, 2019.