Jan. 12, 2012
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ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - UCF junior cheerleader Morgan Ferrell continues her online blog exclusively for UCFAthletics.com as the Knights get ready for Nationals this weekend at ESPN's Wide World of Sports.
By: Morgan Ferrell
The arena was packed last night as UCF fans came to support the Knights basketball team. It was the first game of the new spring semester and it was great to have all of the students back.
With two practices left until Nationals, we were ready to put on a show for the crowd during halftime and hopefully add some more stickers to our hard hat! As we warmed-up, the atmosphere was a blend of excitement and sadness. This would be the seniors' final opportunity to showcase the routine at a game. Our baskets were high, the stunts were clean, and Ali Soven tumbled like she had springs in her shoes! There were a couple of bobbles but the team took it all in stride and adjusted to anything that came their way! The audience roared at the end. All of our stunts stayed in the air and we hit the routine but we knew that there were a few mental errors. Coach Gooch reminded us to maintain our composure and take each element one step at a time. It's easy to get caught up in the moment when the music is blaring and the crowd is screaming.
It was good to know that our biggest challenge is no longer just hitting the elements in the routine, now our goal is executing them with ease and perfection. Last night's routine may not have been our best, but it was a chance to perform for a large audience and feel a massive energy similar to that of Nationals. I'm confident in my team's ability to turn the page and improve every day. As the competition quickly approaches, it is safe to say that the 16 of us are one step closer to achieving our dream!