Bold, Radiant, Unapologetic: Meet UNAM Rubies Cheerleading Team

(By Kimberley-Rose Madzima)

What started as a joke among friends has grown into one of the most energetic and recognisable student groups on campus. UNAM Rubies, the university’s cheerleading team, are redefining what campus sport looks like by blending athleticism, performance and unapologetic school spirit.

Founded in 2024, the Rubies were established by five students namely Jessica Aikuti, Caitlin Prins, Trinity Isaacs, Selma Ambambi and Roide Marembo who set out to create something entirely new at the University of Namibia. In just over a year, the team made a powerful impact, earning Best New Sports Club (2024), followed by Sports Club of the Year and the Team Spirit Award (2025), recognition that reflects both their rapid growth and strong presence on campus.

The idea for the Rubies emerged during the founders’ second year at UNAM. While casually discussing which campus sports they could join, the group realised that none of the existing options felt right. Starting a cheerleading team from scratch at UNAM was far from easy.

Initially, the Rubies struggled to be taken seriously and were redirected between sports and cultural societies, with uncertainty about where cheerleading belonged. Registering the society proved challenging, as did recruiting members for a sport that was largely unfamiliar on campus. Choosing a name for the team was, in their words, a spontaneous and slightly chaotic process.

While drafting their constitution in the campus cafeteria, The Grub, the group brainstormed several names that did not feel right. Then someone suggested Rubies. After repeating it a few times, the group knew it fit. Bold, catchy and unapologetically feminine. Beyond the name, rubies as gemstones symbolise passion, strength, confidence and intensity. Qualities the team strives to embody.

For the founders, the name reflects the unity, energy and fire they bring to every performance. Training sessions typically run from 4pm to 6pm, beginning with warm-ups, stretching and exercises. Members are then assigned role-specific drills depending on whether they are flyers, spotters or bases. Practices involve intense stunt work, coordination and repetition, demanding both physical strength and trust among teammates. Balancing cheerleading with academics requires flexibility and mutual support. The team prioritises studies by adjusting training schedules during tests and exams, pausing activities entirely during exam periods.

Digital choreography sessions also help members stay on track when they cannot attend practice. Today, the Rubies see themselves as a vital source of energy on campus. Whether at sporting events or university functions, they pride themselves on lifting spirits and transforming ordinary gatherings into lively experiences. Looking ahead, the team hopes to secure proper uniforms, pom-poms, locker room access and a dedicated indoor practice space.

They also aim to grow their membership, refine their skills and obtain sponsorships that would allow them to travel and perform alongside the teams they support.

For students interested in joining, the message from the Rubies is clear: ‘’Everyone is Welcome’’. More than just dancing, the team represents unity, pride and belonging.

As they put it, no matter where life takes them, they will always be the UNAM Rubies. no matter where life takes them, they will always be the UNAM Rubies.