Terrance Davis, affectionately known as “Coach T,” is more than just the head coach of Texas Wesleyan’s competitive cheer team; he’s a creative force, a musician who writes and voices the lyrics for the team’s competition music. 

“This is special to our girls because the coach is in your ear while you’re on the mat competing. They love it,” he said. 

Coach T’s musical journey began at the age of four, learning drums from his grandfather before mastering keyboard, guitar and bass guitar. His high school years saw him playing in low brass bands, including baritone and tuba.   

In fact, he started his college career with the aspirations to become a band teacher but was convinced by his roommate to try cheerleading. “It was out of my comfort zone, especially for the [stigma] of how it was back then,” he said. “But I got into it, and I fell in love with it and have been doing it ever since.” 

For the past six years, he’s been shaping the Texas Wesleyan cheer team, while also influencing numerous high school cheer teams in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and serving as the All-Star Director for The Cheer Connection for 16 years.   

“I realized in college that I wanted to be someone like my grandfather and my band teacher was to me, and this avenue of cheerleading is the same thing, just in a different way,” he said. “I’m leaving a legacy no matter what.”  

Last year, the Texas Wesleyan competition cheer team narrowly missed the national title at the NCA Nationals in Daytona, Florida, finishing two points behind Oklahoma City University. This close call inspired Coach T’s theme for this year’s national's music: For the State.  

“This year, we’re doing it for the state of Texas. We’re doing it for Texas Wesleyan. We’re bringing that All Girl Intermediate title to Texas,” he said.  

Beyond the thrill of competition, Coach T and Gold Line Dancers head coach Emily Snow believe in enriching their students’ college experience by also taking teams to Disney World during their time in Florida, a highlight for many. 

“When these kids come here from day one, we work to this goal, and to go out there and finish it together is the biggest accomplishment of all,” he said. “And we also work to create memories for these young adults that they will treasure forever. They always come back extremely happy because of that experience." 

The shared challenges and triumphs forge strong bonds among the team members, both on and off the mat. Coach T believes this camaraderie is a key ingredient to their competitive success and a major draw for prospective recruits.    

“I think that's the biggest thing, honestly, that that they build those lifelong bonds here,” he said. “The bonds that cheerleading builds is the best part. I found some of my best friends in the sport, and I see those bonds on our team being built for lifelong friends.”  

And as Coach T looks ahead, he sees not just championships, but the lasting impact of his mentorship, the echoes of his music, and the enduring friendships forged in the crucible of competition and shared passion. He's building more than a team; he's building the RAMily, one note, one routine, one memory at a time.