DIY VIRAL
Welcome to SZN openerthe dynamic podcast series that spotlights Black college athletes, exploring their triumphs and challenges throughout their athletic journey.
Source: Southern University and A&M College / Getty
SZN opener wraps up an incredible third season with Southern University's Karli-Brooklyn LeFlore. The spirited eldest joined SZN opener welcomes Rodney Rikai to reflect on her journey as a varsity cheerleader at Baton Rouge HBCU, sharing her victories and what she's looking forward to after graduation.
LeFlore grew up in the Deep South, in Madison, Mississippi, where she developed her athletic skills as a gymnast. Her mother encouraged an active lifestyle early on, which has stayed with the student-athlete to this day. She also ran track in high school. “I have always loved running. At a very young age, my mom and I would go for a run around our neighborhood after we finished gymnastics,” LeFlore said. “She always imposed this schedule on me, since I was little, every day. I think that's why I'm like this now.
LeFlore wanted the HBCU experience
Coming from a predominantly white high school, LeFlore chose to attend an HBCU for college. She landed at Southern University and A&M College, among a handful of historically black colleges and universities in Louisiana. She decided to attend Southern after earning a spot on their cheer squad. “I knew I wanted to do cheerleading after high school,” she said.
Now a senior, LeFlore remembers his time at Southern fondly. Despite cheerleading's demanding schedule, the psychology major said the sacrifice was worth it. “I love it. I like to encourage,” she told Rikai. “(I have to) do what I love every day, while maintaining high grades. I crossed Delta Sigma Theta. I feel like I was able to do everything I wanted to do.
HBCU cheer teams are nationally recognized
LeFlore is part of a legendary legacy of black cheerleaders in the United States, who once had to struggle for their place apart. Today, HBCU cheer squads across the country are celebrated for their joyful game day performances and spirited athleticism – and they're making their mark on a national level.
At the 2024 National Cheerleaders Association (NCA) College National Championship, the largest cheerleading competition in the United States, HBCUs made their presence known at the annual event. North Carolina A&T and Xavier University won titles as national champions in their divisions, while Jackson State, Tennessee State and Morgan State ranked highly in the rankings.
Southern University has also appeared at previous NCA National Championships
LeFlore is proud to represent HBCU joy. “Competing is a sport,” she said. When she competed at the NCA College Nationals, Southern placed third in their category in 2022, and second in 2021.
“Daytona (NCA Nationals) has nothing to play with. You're facing several teams and they all want the same thing as you: they want to win. Waking up at 6 a.m. knowing you have to do an entire routine over and over again takes a toll mentally and physically. But the end result is always the best part,” LeFlore said.
The South senior talked about what she’s looking forward to in her next chapter. She is currently applying to law school, the University of Houston, Texas Southern, and Howard University.
Watch the full episode with Karli-Brooklyn LeFlore above. Listen to this episode of SZN opener on the Urban One Podcast Network or your favorite podcast streaming platform. Or check out the visual podcast on The life of Cassius YouTube channel.
About the “SZN Opener” podcast
SZN Opener returns with all-new episodes for Season 3, featuring the brightest and most promising Black student-athletes in college sports today. Hosted by dynamic on-air personality Rodney Rikai, this podcast features in-depth interviews with athletes sharing their stories of hard work, character and excellence on and off the playing field. As they face demanding schedules and planning their careers beyond graduation, these college athletes demonstrate focus and dedication in all aspects of their lives. Log in to SZN Opener and learn more about CassiusLife.com.
DIY VIRAL
