Spirit Squad | February 20, 2026

From the classroom to the sidelines to serving her country, Saniyya Townsend defines what balance and dedication look like.

A junior at USCA, Townsend joined the spirit squad as a sophomore after being paired with a teammate who encouraged her to step outside her comfort zone. Having grown up dancing, the transition felt natural, and she quickly found her place.

Outside of school, Townsend serves in the Army National Guard, balancing academics, athletics, and military responsibilities. After completing basic training at Fort Jackson, she developed skills like discipline and leadership that she carries with her every day.

With monthly drill commitments and a full college schedule, Townsend credits her coaches and teammates for their constant support and flexibility.

In her recent interview, Townsend shares how she manages it all, along with advice for others juggling multiple responsibilities: stay positive, stay disciplined, and take it day by day.

Watch the full Saniyya Townsend interview to learn more about her path and the motivation behind her success.