Madison Elliott Secures Cheerleading Role at UConn

By KEN HAMWEY,

Bulletin Sports Writer

Madison Elliott had a dynamic career as a cheerleader for Bellingham High, and later this month, she’ll be attending classes at the University of Connecticut, where she’s already been selected to the Huskies’ 27-member cheerleading team.

The 18-year-old Elliott competed on the Blackhawks’ squad for five years, was a two-time captain, and captured Tri Valley League all-star awards six times. As a sophomore in 2022, she was on a squad that hit the jackpot. That contingent won the TVL championship and the South Regional crown before capturing the Division 4 state championship. During her senior year, the Blackhawks finished as Division 4 state runners-up behind Case Regional.

“My top thrill at BHS was competing on a state championship team,’’ Elliott said. “That was a dream come true. Another thrill was being named a captain for two years.’’

When Elliott, who chose UConn over Syracuse, Penn State and UMass-Amherst, learned of her acceptance in March, the Bellingham native didn’t waste any time pursuing her goal to continue to cheer at the collegiate level.

“I went to an interest clinic and a recruitment clinic on the Storrs campus,’’ she said. “Then, I went to five open practices before two tryouts that were held on May 18 and May 19. There were 80 candidates, and I was chosen for the 27-member team (23 women and 4 men). I would go to classes at Bellingham then drive to UConn for all the necessary practices and tryouts. It was a bit hectic, but it all worked out.’’

“Madison is the only 2024 BHS student-athlete who’ll be competing for a Division 1 school,’’ said Bellingham Athletic Director Michael Connor. 

Elliott will major in communications and plans on pursuing a career in sports journalism or sports broadcasting.

The 5-foot-3 Elliott also excelled in academics at BHS. An honor-roll student, she also was a two-time National Honor Society student. Always eager to assist others, she participated in the Best Buddies program and the Special Olympics and worked as an intern at the athletic office.

A captain who led by example and by being vocal and communicative, she often led the team in workouts and helped the coach (Tracey Elliott, her mother) with a variety of other duties.

A competitor who thoroughly enjoyed stunting in whatever routines were being performed, Elliott is acutely aware that her transition to big-time college cheerleading will be challenging. Primarily because there’ll be more games and the lights will be brighter.

“UConn’s men’s basketball team has been the national champ for the last two years and has won six NCAA titles,’’ Elliott emphasized. “And the women’s team has won 11 national championships. That means there’ll be more people at games. The keys will be to maintain tip-top condition, improve my athleticism and enhance my skill level. I’ll also need to balance academics with all the practices and games. UConn cheerleaders also get involved in a variety of events and fund-raising activities.’’

At UConn, its cheerleaders will perform at all football games, and during the winter, they will be cheering for both the men’s and women’s basketball teams. “The spring season will be devoted to competing for the championship of the Universal Cheerleading Association (UCA) 

Cheerleading at BHS was a five-year activity for Elliott, but the sport covered two seasons (fall and winter). That led her to compete for 10 seasons, but she worked hard and credits her mom for the program’s success. “She’s a great motivator who relies on lots of effort,’’ Elliott offered. “Always devoted to the team, she made sure everyone’s grades were good. She not only wanted us to be quality competitors, but she strived to turn out good people and good citizens.’’

Relying on a competitive philosophy that focuses on winning, reaching one’s potential and having fun, Elliott credits her sport for learning valuable life lessons. “I’ve learned how to be a good teammate, how to lead and how to overcome adversity,’’ she said.

As a sophomore at the age of 15, the personable Elliott overcame a big dose of adversity. She had to deal with a difficult medical situation —  thyroid cancer.

“I had surgery to remove my thyroid gland that had seven tumors,’’ she recalled. “I was diagnosed in March of 2022 and had the surgery at Mass. General Hospital in June. I did not need any chemotherapy or radiation. I’m thankful that I’m cancer-free.’’

Elliott has remained positive throughout that situation. And, during her cheerleading tenure, she’s competed with enthusiasm and passion.

Now, with graduation in her rear-view mirror, Elliott views the end of her time at BHS as “bittersweet.’’

“I’ll miss my teammates and classmates,’’ she said. “But I’m eager to start a new chapter in my life.’’

Elliott already has experienced success as a collegian. She’ll be on a cheerleading squad that will be performing for title-winning teams, and she’ll also be cheering at many major college venues.

Madison Elliott’s passion and grit will be welcomed attributes at UConn.