A shortened season and high hopes kicked off Jennevee Morales’ collegiate cheer career four years ago. The pandemic had left UNLV Cheer only four months to prepare for the Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA) national competition.
Morales was new to a team that had just won back-to-back national championships for their All-Girl Division IA Game Day routines. And even though they now had to go virtual, they were determined to compete again. UNLV Cheer came out victorious as “three-peat” national champions, and Morales had a national championship ring in her first year at UNLV.
Now, she graduates with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the Lee Business School and has spent four memorable years on the UNLV Cheer team.
“I’m really grateful for the time I spent cheering at UNLV, not only did I have the opportunity to be super involved on campus, but we also did a lot of volunteer work in the community where we got to represent UNLV and give back to the community.”
UNLV Cheer engages with the community year round through appearances and service projects. Morales and her teammates represented UNLV at events like the groundbreaking for the Brightline high-speed rail project connecting Las Vegas to Southern California. At the Make-a-Wish Southern Nevada Walk for Wishes, she and her fellow cheerleaders hyped up the runners and walkers. During Nevada Reading Week, Morales and her team split up to read in different classrooms around the Valley.
“I grew up here, so the city and the people here mean so much to me.”
And through the UNLV Rebel Starzz program, Morales shares her love of the sport with children and introduces them to UNLV. “We teach young girls basic cheer and dance skills, but we also help them learn about teamwork and being confident.”
Morales credits her time on the squad for getting her involved in the community, she also notes the support UNLV Athletics has shown her as she worked toward her degree. “I am really grateful for UNLV Athletics because they took care of us not only as athletes, but also as students. They helped us prepare for life after graduation, which is something that a lot of student-athletes struggle with.”
UNLV Athletics’ Student Athletic Development program connects student-athletes with resources to support them in their academic and personal growth. “Whether it’s through study hall, advising, or balancing our busy schedules, I always felt supported.”
A busy schedule, indeed. Each semester Morales juggled a full course load, plus practice, travel, and performances for football and basketball, community service, and maintained a part-time job. When the opportunity of a lifetime to work in the community came her way, though, she made time.
“I was so excited to get an internship with the Las Vegas Super Bowl Host Committee. I know a lot of students applied, so I felt very blessed to be selected.” Morales helped bring the big game to life as an intern in volunteer relations for the committee. “My favorite part was seeing people from all over come to Vegas for this huge event. I felt very lucky to be a part of such a monumental event for our city.”
Morales hopes to see Las Vegas push the limits in the future. “I’m looking forward to staying here and attending graduate school. I love seeing Las Vegas grow, and I want to be a part of that."
