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Former Newton student Smith brings bite to UGA cheerleading squad
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Written by Jesse Epps, Sports Editor
She is a rambunctious cheerleading bulldog who frequents “Between the Hedges.”
Former Newton High School class of 2007 student Erica Smith was recently announced as the Cheerleader of the Week by Sports Illustrated.
Smith is a criminal justice major at the University of Georgia, and upon graduation she hopes to work for the Georgia Bureau of Investigation as a crime scene technician.
Smith said she got this opportunity her sophomore year when the Bulldogs played an Arizona football game in Tempe.
“It was then that [the photographer] informed my coach that he was interested in featuring a UGA cheerleader,” Smith said. “I was so excited when I was asked to do such a thing. I am honored to represent the university in such a positive manner.”
Smith said college has been an “eye opener” for her.
“Coming from a smaller town and onto a huge college campus took a while getting used to,” Smith stated.
“My favorite thing about college would have to be the independence. As a result of me being independent, I have learned more about myself and what I stand for in the past few years than I did in the first 18 years of my life. Being independent has allowed me to grow and develop into my own person.”
In addition, Smith said she chose UGA because it is a Division-1 school. When applying for colleges, she applied to many Division-1 schools and got accepted into all of them.
“Georgia won because it was close to home and the campus was amazing,” Smith said. “My experience at UGA has been incredible. I am getting a great education; the professors are great and very helpful, and the students are friendly.”
However, Smith said she misses the small things of high school, such as having teachers remind her of when assignments were due and other things.
A veteran at her craft, Smith said she has been cheerleading since eighth grade. She said she woke up one morning and made the decision to try out for the middle school cheerleading team.
“Cheerleading fits my personality perfectly,” Smith said. “I am fun, outgoing, and always trying to make someone happy, all of which are qualities that most cheerleaders embody.”
Furthermore, attending the University of Georgia has made Smith a huge sports fan. Before college, Smith did not go to many sporting events, but she said college has made her a big Georgia football fan.
Conversely, Smith said her role models and inspiration in life are her parents, who have supported her as much as possible in her cheerleading endeavors.
“My parents have always encouraged me to be all that I can be and to go after what I wanted in life, which I feel is really important for youth today,” Smith said. “Both of my parents mean a lot to me, and I would not be half the person I am today without their love, guidance, and support.”
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