Westridge Spyglass sat down with this year’s Tiger, Willow N. ’25, to ask her about the recruitment process and her thoughts on the position. Willow had her first performance with the Westridgettes on November 21 and had the opportunity to reveal the new mascot for Westridge alongside Coach Horn during an assembly.
- How were you picked to be the Westridge Tiger? “I was picked by Jade [the previous Westridge Tiger] to be the Tiger. I told her in junior year that it had always been a dream of mine to be the Westridge Tiger, and she surprised me at the Junior Ring Ceremony by telling me I was going to be picked.”
- Why have you always wanted the position? “I have always wanted to be the Tiger because I wanted to help inspire more spirit at Westridge and make every student proud to be a part of this community by putting a smile on my classmates’ faces when performing as a Westridgette and wearing the Tiger costume.”
- What is your favorite part of being the Tiger? “My favorite part of being the Tiger is working with the rest of the Westridgettes to practice our dance routines. It is always a great time, and I love performing in front of my friends. It is so much fun watching the Lower Schoolers’ faces light up when I run across the gym floor.”
- What surprised you about being the Tiger? “I was surprised about how heavy the tail of the Tiger suit is and how hot it can get inside. I am always sweating so much when I wear it. Last Westridgette performance, I was sweating so much, my face was completely red. But I didn’t care because I was having so much fun.”
- What does the job entail? “I dance and I cheer to get the Westridge energy up. I am not actually required to do anything as the Tiger, there is no form I have to sign or anything like that. But I choose to use the little energy I have during senior year to bring more cheer to Westridge by attending games and supporting my friends at least once a week.”
- Is it ever taxing? “Nope. It really isn’t a hard job, and I love doing it. Sometimes I can get overheated after Westridgette performances though. My friends make fun of me because I look like a tomato.”
- Are you a dancer? “I have never been the best dancer. There are some really great dancers on the Westridgettes, so I have been learning a lot from them. But being the Tiger is not about being the best dancer, it is about being the one with the most spirit. So no, I am definitely not a dancer.”
- Is there anything you don’t like about it? “There is nothing I dislike. It is the best part about being a senior, and I am so happy that I have the opportunity to be Westridge’s number one cheerleader.”
- Why should someone want to be the Westridge Tiger? “I think they should want to be the Tiger because it is a big and important responsibility. You are in charge of making sure everyone else has spirit and excitement for our athletics and every aspect of the Westridge community. As scary as that seems, it feels great having that power over school spirit.”
- What are you going to miss about being the Tiger? “I am going to miss wearing the suit, even though it can get hot. I am going to miss early morning practices with my friends, perfecting our moves. But there is still a lot of time left in the year and many more performances to come!”
To know more about the Westridgettes team as a whole, check out Roll Call! Meet the 2024–25 Westridgettes
