ETTRICK, Va. — Watching from the sidelines, CBS 6 Anchor GeNienne Samuels and Photojournalist A.J. Nwoko observe four women in their element. The four women enjoy each other’s company, laugh, and “stomp and shake.”
As they start their cheer, being this in sync, doesn’t just come from practice or ingrained muscle memory. It comes from being lifelong sisters.
“I will say making the team was just a phenomenal sisterhood,” said Bonika Wilson.
This friendship was formed 30 years ago at Virginia State University in Petersburg.
“The sisterhood. I didn’t expect that. I didn’t expect the bond that we would have with each other.” Said La Verne Burrus-Johnson.
Provided to WTVR The sisterhood they’re referring to began with the VSU Cheerleaders, affectionately knows as the Woo Woos.
“We all had very much different personalities, but somehow, we all jelled,” Tawanna Tynes said. “We all had a great work ethic. We were perfectionists.”
All of these traits paid off in order them to each claim one a coveted spot.