LORMAN, Miss. – Alcorn Cheerleading Head Coach Dr. Timothy Queen announced on Monday, June 1, the Braves will be expanding the program to include both a co-ed and all-girl team for the 2026-27 athletic year.
 
This strategic initiative is designed to enhance the overall game-day experience for fans, alumni, students, supporters, and the entire Alcorn community, while creating additional opportunities for student-athletes to represent the university with pride and distinction.
 
The Co-Ed Team will be comprised of 15 female athletes and 6 male athletes. This team will serve as a highly visible ambassador for Alcorn and will be responsible for each of the following:

• Cheerleading at all home football games
• Traveling to selected away football games
• Supporting the men's basketball program
• Performing at university pep rallies
• Representing Alcorn at special appearances and community events
• Serving as a key component of the competition program

 
Meanwhile, the aforementioned All-Girl Team will be comprised of 10 female athletes, and will play a vital role in elevating the spirit and tradition of Alcorn through the following areas:

• Cheerleading at home football games
• Supporting the women's basketball program
• Performing at pep rallies and campus events
• Participating in special university appearances
• Contributing members to the competition program

 
Additionally, Dr. Queen says the Braves will employ a Competition Team which will consist of selected athletes from both the Co-Ed and All-Girl teams, creating a unified and highly competitive squad capable of representing the university at the highest levels of collegiate cheerleading.

Alcorn Cheerleading Assistant Coach Kala Blanton will oversee the All-Girl team.
 
The decision to expand to two teams reflects a commitment to providing a more dynamic, engaging, and energetic atmosphere at athletic events and university functions. With increased visibility and coverage across multiple athletic programs, the cheerleading program will be able to provide greater support for student-athletes, enhance fan interaction, and create a more exciting environment on game days.
 
The expanded structure will allow for more performances, increased crowd engagement, and a stronger spirit presence throughout the year.
 
"Our vision is to create an environment where every fan feels connected to the excitement and tradition of Alcorn State University," commented Dr. Queen. "By expanding the program into both a Co-Ed Team and an All-Girl Team, we are positioning ourselves to provide a higher level of spirit, entertainment, and support for our athletic programs while creating more opportunities for student-athletes to develop as leaders and ambassadors of Alcorn."
 
The move aligns with the university's continued commitment to enhancing the student experience and strengthening school pride throughout campus and beyond.
 
For the 2026–2027 season, the Alcorn Cheerleading Program will operate under the theme "The Standard is the Standard – One Team, One Purpose, One Alcorn."
 
The adopted theme embodies the program's commitment to unity, excellence, and a shared vision of elevating the Brave spirit on campus and throughout the Alcorn community.
 
With two teams, one mission, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, Alcorn Cheerleading is poised to make a lasting impact on game days, campus life, and the future of collegiate cheerleading in Lorman, Mississippi.
 
For additional information, please contact Alcorn State University Cheer Program at cheer@alcorn.edu.
 
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