Since its formation, the Siren Squad Pom Team has brought new life and energy to the University of Missouri–St. Louis. The team blends jazz, hip-hop and traditional cheer techniques, becoming a symbol of school pride and connection on campus.
Guiding the team today is StarR Logan, a student success coach with TRIO SSS who also serves as the Siren Squad’s dance coach.
“The Siren Squad actually started because a few students on campus wanted a space to express themselves and bring more spirit to UMSL,” Logan said. “The cheerleading program had been discontinued and there weren’t any dancers on campus, so Trinity, Aundre’A, Cherishand a few others (students) reached out to Dr. Channon Peoples to see if they could start a dance and cheer club.”
Turning the idea into a functioning team presented its own set of challenges. Trinity Atkins, fellow founder and current co-captain, recalls navigating the uncertainty of building a program from scratch and learning alongside her peers.
“The start of the group was rough, but we endured. We have two amazing coaches, Coach Logan and Coach Tae. They handled most of the challenges and everything they did was out of love and support for us,” Atkins said.
With the help of Dr. Peoples and Coach Taelor Duncan, the club was formed in 2024.
“Coach Tae and I have worked together to create more space and collaboration on campus so the girls could really shine,” Logan said. “With support from the Athletics Department and Holly Sheilley, the Siren Squad has grown bigger and more official than anyone expected.”
The team has quickly gained traction across campus this year.
“So far, Siren Squad has been the word around campus,” Atkins said. “We have already presented ourselves at the men’s and women’s soccer games, where we get great feedback from our fellow peers, parents and visitors!”
For Atkins, the most meaningful part of the experience goes beyond performances.
“My favorite part of being a part of Siren Squad is the sisterhood we share; we bond like we’re family and it has been a real privilege to cheer and dance with the girls beside me and also get to know them on a deeper level,” Atkins said.
As coaches, Logan and Tae support this dance squad in every aspect of their lives.
“I hope our girls leave the Siren Squad knowing that they matter and that it is important to fight for what they believe in,” Logan said. “ I want them to go into every room, professional, personal, or exploratory, with the mindset that they are changemakers and there is a place for them and for everyone.”
Although this semester’s tryout has already concluded, students interested in learning more about the squad or getting involved can reach out via email at [email protected] or visit the team’s Instagram page at @umslsirensquad for updates and opportunities.
