Athletics and school spirit at Lewis & Clark are often associated with long-standing teams such as football, swimming and basketball. More recently, however, the LC Cheer and Step Team has become a notable part of that sphere. Though not an official sports team affiliated with the NCAA, the group has established a strong presence on campus as a club sport and as one of the team captains, Blessing Maduagwu ’26 put it, “the spirit of the school.”
Maduagwu, along with captain Liana Vargas ’26 and team manager Tamia Martin ’26, spoke to The Mossy Log about what the team means to them. Maduagwu described the team as a bridge between athletics and the wider student body.
“We’re not athletes, but showing up at games brings us into the athletics community and helps us engage with students who aren’t, encouraging them to show up as well,” she said.
Vargas added that, at a predominantly white institution where many athletes are students of color, being present at games and performing serves as an outlet to support and uplift one another. She stated that the team’s goal is to create a space that feels welcoming for everyone involved.
The team was founded in 2019 by two students, including recent graduate Isha Elboctorcy ’24, who now coaches the group. What began with 10 members has since expanded to 25, now organized into varsity and junior varsity squads.
Vargas explained that this structure emerged out of financial necessity.
“We have 25 members and aren’t able to afford that many uniforms, so we created space for everyone by introducing the JV team. While JV doesn’t receive full uniforms, they are still fully part of the team and attend all practices,” she said.
Martin added that the JV structure is designed to prepare newer members to step into the roles of graduating seniors.
“We’re essentially training them, giving them experience and showing them the ropes before just fully throwing them out there,” she said.
The team’s culture extends well beyond dancing and cheering. Martin noted that with every grade represented this year, members have more opportunities for bonding, including dinners where they check in with one another and get to know each other.
Maduagwu added that their “big-sis, little-sis” system also pairs each newcomer with a veteran teammate who can offer guidance and support.
For students curious about joining the team, auditions are held each fall. The first round focuses on learning step routines, and the second features a hip-hop routine choreographed by the interim captain.
Vargas stressed that the process is not about seeking professional dancers.
“Our main goal is to examine someone’s full capacity. If someone shows up willing to put in the work, ask questions, learn the routine and attend practice — that’s what matters,” she said.
The team trains for an average of five hours a week. Much of that time, Vargas said, is focused on proprioceptive coordination — the hand-eye-body precision needed to execute their routines.
“You really have to be dedicated to the craft,” she said.
The team’s most recent performance was during the Homecoming football game halftime show, a moment the leaders described as particularly memorable.
“We stood in the rain for about 15 minutes,” Vargas recalled. “When we walked onto the field, soaking wet, the sun came out. … Despite being drenched, it was a valuable moment of unity and bonding for the team.”
The team performs well beyond sidelining at home games. They participate in the annual Dance Y showcase and are frequently requested to perform by the Alumni Association.
“We love coming out to see alumni and bridging that connection,” Martin said.
Within the broader Portland community, the team was recently invited by the Rip City Remix, Portland’s NBA G League team, to perform at one of their games in March at the University of Portland Chiles Center.
This recognition from the external community, Martin said, reflects years of persistence.
“It’s rewarding to see our hard work come to fruition.”
Vargas echoed that sentiment, noting growing support from faculty, staff and the wider community.
“People see that we’re not just dancing for fun. We put in real time and effort into what we do,” Vargas said
Maduagwu highlighted that this will be the team’s second performance at the University of Portland. Their performance at the school’s Black History Month Excellence Night last year drew such a positive response that they were invited to return this year.
“It’s special because we’re representing LC beyond campus,” she said.
While the team has achieved meaningful success, it has also faced challenges. In the past, some game attendees and community members have criticized their performances.
“It’s a little disheartening, but even through criticism, we still persevere. Now that we’ve grown through the years, we’re making a name for ourselves. People know us and love our performances. We speak for ourselves now rather than other people speaking for us,” Maduagwu said.
Their most pressing obstacle, however, is funding. Vargas explained that the team does not have enough cold-weather gear, rain protection or accessories like poms.
“On many cheer and dance teams, members pay for their uniforms and gear, but we don’t want to place that burden on our members,” she said. “Most of us come from low-income or minority backgrounds, so we want to provide everything without adding financial stress.”
Maduagwu hopes the college recognises the team’s contributions and impact on campus.
“We’re students first, and this work requires substantial time and effort,” she said, noting that more financial support would make a meaningful difference.
All three leaders expressed gratitude for the community members who uplift the team.
“We gain more recognition every day,” Maduagwu said. “Even on apps like Yik Yak and Fizz, we get so much love and we truly appreciate it.”
As Cheer and Step continues to grow in size and acknowledgment, the group has become a visible reminder of the many forms school spirit can take. Their presence highlights how performance and athletic energy intersect on campus. For its leaders, the team’s growth is not only about executing routines, but about building a collective identity that strengthens connections across the student body and campus community.
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