Meet Asia Thomas. She is an inspiring alumna of Alcorn State University (ASU), whose journey from her hometown of Natchez, Mississippi, to becoming the Head Cheer Coach for the Alcorn State University Cheer Team and an English teacher at Jefferson County High School is nothing short of remarkable. Asia’s journey began in Natchez, where she attended Clinton High School, graduating in 2015. Early on, she knew that Alcorn was where she wanted to be. Her mother’s connection to the institution as both a student and a Cheer Coach in the late 1990s introduced Asia to her future home. Upon entering ASU, Asia pursued her passion for cheerleading. She joined Alcorn State University’s Cheer Team and quickly rose through the ranks. In her Junior and Senior years, she held the prestigious position of Head Cheer Captain and earned several accolades, including Cheerleader of the Year in 2016 and the Leadership Award in 2017. In May of 2020, Asia graduated from Alcorn with a Bachelor of Science degree in Child Development. Her journey came full circle when she returned to Alcorn as the Head Cheer Coach, a role she currently holds.
Why did you choose Alcorn? I chose Alcorn because it was my family’s school. It’s been a part of my life since I could walk, and so has Alcorn Cheerleading. My mother was an assistant coach for the cheerleaders in 1998 and 1999. So, when I made the team and had an opportunity to be a part of the program of my dreams, I took it.
What organizations were you apart of while attending Alcorn? Alcorn Cheer (Captain 2017-2019), Kappa Omicron Nu (National Honor Society for the Human Sciences), IMPACT Community Service Organization, Girl’s Coalition, Human Sciences Club, National Society of Leadership and Success
How has Alcorn helped prepare you for your career? The Human Sciences Department ensured that I grew as a professional. Dr. Martha Ravola was an incredible mentor to me in my time at Alcorn. She pushed me to think outside of the box and exceed my own expectations for what I could do.
What is something you enjoyed most about Alcorn? I love the tradition that Alcorn holds. I also have fallen in love with the legacy here. The environment doesn’t change, which is what makes Alcorn so unique. Being a cheerleader at Alcorn was my greatest experience. I met my lifelong friends there. Cheerleading is something I am extremely passionate about and now my aspiration is to make the Alcorn cheerleading experience just as great for my own athletes.
Do you have any advice to current students on “The Yard”? Don’t give up. Even when it seems like there isn’t a way around something. Alcorn prepares its students to face anything once you leave those gates. Find the lesson in your challenges and learn to grow and be a better individual.