HT Rams Student-Athlete of the Month: Cheerleader Lorin Stewart

AUSTIN – Huston-Tillotson University cheerleader Lorin Stewart was recognized as her sport's HT Rams Student-Athlete of the Month. She is the first student-athlete to be honored as part of a new program to recognize HT's outstanding student-athletes in their sport and in the classroom.
 
Lorin is a sophomore from Houston and a Business Administration major at HT and serves as the captain of the cheer squad. She is also one of HT's elite W.E.B. DuBois Honors Program scholars.
 
She was honored as her team's Student-Athlete of the Month because her leadership, consistency, and positive energy have set the tone for our entire team, according to cheerleading coach Desiree Haraway.
 
"Lorin leads by example by mastering routines, supporting her teammates, and keeping practices focused and productive," Haraway said. "Her strong communication skills, reliability, and genuine passion for cheer have made a lasting impact on our program and helped elevate the team's performance this season."
 
Get to Know Lorin:
 
Why did you choose to attend Huston-Tillotson University?
Aside from the W.E.B. Dubois Honors Scholarship opportunity, I chose HT because it seemed to be a place where I could see myself flourishing in a way that may not have been possible at another school.
 
What does being a student-athlete at HT mean to you?
Taking on the role of being a productive student-athlete at HT serves as an encouraging reminder to myself and others to remain committed to achieving what may seem to be the unthinkable. As a member of a team of fellow student athletes, I am surrounded by like-minded people who have the responsibility of constantly building each other up every day.
 
What has been your biggest accomplishment so far this season?
I am proud to see that under my leadership our HT cheerleading team has been able to maintain a loving and respectful bond with one another this season. This familial bond has set the foundation for steady growth and improvement for each member of the team both personally and athletically.
 
What motivates you to excel academically and athletically?
The fact that I have been given this opportunity to immerse myself in the loving HBCU culture and exclusive experiences keeps me motivated every day. I can showcase my talents and enjoy my time, while being exposed to people and spaces that will open doors for the benefit of my life overall.
 
Who has had the biggest impact on your athletic journey and why?
I'd like to extend my gratitude to my cheer coach, Desiree Haraway, who understands my vision for the team and encourages me to lead with confidence. She was the one who refused to let me go any further without a leadership position on my cheerleading team. That push to become the captain of my team allowed me to begin a new, more fulfilling part of my journey as a college athlete.
 
How do you balance academics, athletics, and personal life?
Balancing academics, cheerleading, and my personal life can be quite challenging at times, however, I always try to remember my reasoning for doing it all. There is something that I love associated with each of these aspects: my career desires, enjoyment of spirited athleticism, and spending quality time with my friends and family. Each of these aspects coincide with one another, therefore if one lacks, I lean on the others for motivational support.
 
What goals have you set for yourself for the remainder of the season?
For the remainder of this season, my biggest goal is to become a more confident communicator between my team and our coach to prevent confusion on both ends. Additionally, I am determined to lead my team without allowing my leadership duties to limit my personal skill development as a cheerleader.
 
What is something about you that most people don't know?
Something that most people probably wouldn't know about me is that I never thought I'd be as involved in my university as I am today. Since coming to HT, I've seized the opportunity to continue my cheerleading career and join impactful student organizations, including HT's Royal Court and Collegiate 100 Chapter. Being involved in my campus community not only intensifies my affection for my HBCU but also helps me come a more well-rounded individual.
 
What advice would you give to future HT student-athletes?
I'd like to remind future HT student-athletes to do it scared and do it for you. You'll never know what opportunities lie behind doors you're too afraid to open. Only you can determine your own future with the amount of effort and dedication you put forth.
 
What song gets you hyped before a game?
Oh U Went by Young Thug ft. Drake
 
Social Media Handles
IG: @Lorinnkss