Jeralyn Smith

PITTSBURGH — Collegiate cheerleaders have generally been involved in the activity since early childhood.

Jeralyn Smith is an exception to that rule.

The Butler graduate and University of Pittsburgh senior cheerleading captain didn’t get started in the sport until her sophomore year in high school.

“I had a lot of catching up to do,” she said. “It wasn’t easy. I always felt like I was behind, trying to catch up to the routines.”

From age 3 to 14, Smith was a gymnast. She was at Level 8 looking to advance higher when doctors discovered a fractured vertebrae in her back.

“It wasn’t from a particular accident or anything,” Smith said. “The injury occurred from too much stress on the back over a period of time.

“I was advised to quit gymnastics. That bothered me ... I took a year off without doing anything.”

With her tumbling background, Smith decided to try cheerleading. And she hasn’t stopped.

She made the Tornado’s competitive cheerleading team that placed fifth at nationals her junior year and seventh in her senior campaign.

Once she decided to attend Pitt — majoring in rehab sciences while seeking a career in physical therapy — Smith figured her cheerleading days were done.

“I wasn’t planning on continuing with it,” Smith said. “But when my senior year at Butler was over, I wasn’t ready to give it up.”

Smith was among 40 to 50 girls trying out for Pitt’s cheerleading squad. She was one of 15 to make the team.

She is also a member of the Panthers’ competition squad, which competes annually at the National Collegiate Cheerleading and Dance Championships in Daytona Beach, Fla.

Pitt’s cheerleaders practice three days a week for two hours each time during the fall months. That schedule intensifies come January.

“For three months leading up to nationals (in April), we practice a lot more often,” Smith said. “We don’t get priority time in the gym, so we practice at 6 a.m.

“Getting up at 5, going to practice until 8 a.m. ... It can make for a long day. Some girls have classes at 8 and go straight there from practice.”

Pitt’s cheerleaders work the Panther football, basketball, wrestling and women’s volleyball games, along with making appearances at soccer games.

Smith admitted she was confident she would make Pitt’s squad. She has been a cheerleader all four years of her collegiate career.

“Cheering at Butler really helped me,” she said. “Our competitive routine there was pretty grueling and I was prepared well in the tumbling aspect. Some of the girls didn’t get an experience like that in high school.

“I learned how to perform in front of a crowd. I didn’t have to adjust too much when I got to Pitt.”

Now Smith is a captain for her final season.

“It’s always fun,” she said of cheerleading. “The people you meet ... I’ll miss this, that’s for sure.”