The Iowa Western Spirit Squad is known for being a nationally ranked cheerleading team, but what many don’t know about this program is their dedication to building a better community in Council Bluffs, Iowa.

Each year, the Iowa Western Community College cheerleaders take time out of their season to show their community love by volunteering for a variety of local service projects.

In 2018, the Reivers participated in multiple community service activities including community garden renovations, building playgrounds, visiting at local Farmers Markets, and working with organizations to help promote the benefits of treatment for substance abuse and mental health disorders.

“Time is one thing you can't get back, so I think it says a great deal about the kind of people these student-athletes are to dedicate theirs to different events and projects within our community.” - Raven Gau.

Both the student-athletes and Iowa Western coach, Raven Gau, were motivated to take part in these specific service events because it gave them opportunities to understand more about their community and learn through hands-on experiences.
 

Iowa Western’s 2018 Community Service Events

• On With Life
• Creektop Gardens
• Farmers Market at Bayliss Park
• Dream Playground Re-Imagined
• Hands Across the Bridge for Recovery

Now that school is back in session, game day and competition practices are ramping up but the Reivers show no sign of stopping when it comes to giving back.

“Those people are the ones who support this program, and we will continue to give our time as often as our schedules allow it," explained Gau.

Through these projects, Gau hopes to teach her athletes that they are so much more than the skills the compete on the mat.

"I hope to foster empathy and self-efficacy within my student-athletes by investing in our community and the people who live in it," Gau said. 

"I think it is important for them to see how giving back by volunteering strengthens the community. They are learning so much more than they even realize and building camaraderie with their teammates which is vital for a cheerleading team."

Along with encouraging community involvement, Gau also said she is big on helping student-athletes find their "why."

"Our goal and team why this season is to find value in each other's differences that will inspire change, make a mark, leave a legacy, and continue to follow each of us for the remainder of our lives," Gau said.

Be sure to follow the Iowa Western Community College Cheerleaders on social media @reivercheer to see more of their community involvement, and tune in to the UCA & UDA College Cheerleading and Dance Team National Championship January 18-20 cheer on the team as they compete for a championship title.