Athlete of the Week: Vianney Carranza

Exercise science junior Vianney Carranza is a co-captain and flyer for the UTRGV Cheer Team. Carranza is participating in her third year with the university but has been involved with the sport since she was 6 years old.

Q: Who or what got you started in this sport?

“Honestly, I’m gonna say my mom. She was a cheerleader in high school, so I mean, I just kinda took after her steps.”

Q: Who or what has been your biggest inspiration or role model?

“My little sister would be why I keep doing what I’m doing but, like, my biggest inspiration [is] actually my uncle. He is basically my father figure. He has been there for me through everything, like, since I was maybe 10 [or] 11 [years old] … no matter what.”

Q: Why do you enjoy cheer?

“It’s kinda, like, an escape, honestly. The adrenaline of getting thrown in the air … as scary as it is, as scary as it looks, it’s, honestly, really fun. It’s something I love doing.” 

Q: What is a piece of advice you would like to give your younger self?

“Stop stressing and overthinking things. … Life happens, things happen and some things we just can’t control. … It’s OK to get up and move on. … Stop worrying about the little things.” 

Q: What is your favorite childhood memory?

“[On] Christmas … [in] 2008 [or] 2009, getting a Wii [and] ‘Just Dance’ and having my parents and grandparents play it right after it was opened.”

Q: How do you like to relax when you have time away from cheer or school and such? 

“So, recently, I like to read. I’ve been getting into reading. So, honestly, turn my diffuser on, dim the lights and read.”

Q: Is there anything you’re looking forward to soon?

“I would say competition, honestly. I think that’s what I’m dedicated to right now. [The] competition in January.”

–Compiled by Abigail Ollave