LAREDO, Texas – Texas A&M International University Athletics continues its 2020 Dustdevil Student-Athlete Award series, announcing the team awards for Cheer and Dance on Monday.
The 2020 Student-Athlete Awards for cheer and dance focus on qualities of the sport. Six awards are to be handed out for the 2020 TAMIU cheer and dance team.
Most Improved Award
Aurora Chapa
The Most Improved award focuses on an individual that took great strides throughout the year.
Aurora Chapa is a dual enrollment student who has gotten an early chance to make her mark on the team.
"She's the youngest on the team," said head coach Anyssa Salazar. "From the time we started in August until we wrapped up in March, she learned new skills she didn't know when she came in."
Best Jumps Award
Litzy Gutierrez
The best jumps award focuses on exactly that, the best jumper on the team for the school year.
"Litzy came in already knowing most of the jumps," said Salazar. "She came here from a very prestigious high school and compared to everyone else she was our best jumper."
Gutierrez got to show off her jumping ability as she had her own solo during routines that focused on her jumps.
Most Spirited Award
Abigail Villanueva
The most spirited award is given to the member of the team who was enthusiastic at all times.
"For everything, it was always Abigail," said Salazar. "Whether it was just practice, training or something else, you could always hear her voice and she gave it 110 percent."
Most Humble Award
Jazzy Garcia
The Most Humble award focuses on the member of the team who had the most selfless attitude and always looked at putting the team first and showed qualities of caring and compassion.
"She's the laid back person on the team," said Salazar. "She funny, humble and a great person to have on the team."
Most Dedicated Award
Erika Gallegos
The Most Dedicated award focuses on the member of the team who shows the loyalty of focusing on the team, always being there and the drive to be the best she can be.
"Erika has been on the team five years," said Salazar. "She graduated and then applied for her master's to see if she could come back. She is actually going to be coming back next year. Redemption is what she's looking for because we didn't get the opportunity this year to go to Nationals."
Best Performer Award
Bianca Ramirez
The Best Performer award focuses on the member of the team who showed the ability to put on the best show for the fans and display dedication to their craft.
"Bianca just has it," said Salazar. "She is a great dancer, the center-dancer on the team and she pretty much had her own solo in everything this year."
