Powderpuff Game Approaching

On the afternoon of May 10, the recreational “Powderpuff” football game will be taking place at the College. 

“Powderpuff” is a term used nationwide to describe the idea of a football game where the girls and the boys switch roles. The girls, who are typically the cheerleaders, take the field for a game. Meanwhile, the boys, who are the usual football players, spring towards the sideline and get their cheer on, typically orchestrating some sort of choreographed halftime show. Ordinarily, a couple of football players stay on the field in order to coach the players. Similarly, a few of the cheerleaders usually refrain from playing in the game in order to help the cheerleaders learn their routine. In past years, high schools and colleges over the country have participated in this fun and light-hearted tradition, with countless fans coming in order to see how well their classmates can take on a new talent. Though the name “Powderpuff” has been abandoned by many schools recently due to concerns of it reflecting gender stereotypes too much, the tradition, despite having a different name, has remained strong.

Despite the fairly prominent popularity of Powderpuff all over the United States, the College was missing one key aspect in organizing this game – cheerleaders. However, in the past few months, the College has officially formed its first ever cheer team in history behind the leadership of Jessica Kalonji `26, who is the founder and president of the new group. With the help of Kalonji, who is absorbing the pride of creating the cheer team, the College is finally throwing a Powderpuff game this spring. 

“I personally went to a high school that had Powderpuff,” Kalonji said, “and I pitched it because I wanted an event that allowed our team to meet and collaborate with others as well as celebrate the end of the year.”

Kalonji couldn’t be more right about the inclusiveness aspect, for this year’s Powderpuff will include female players beyond just the ones who are on her cheer team. A variety of women’s basketball, hockey, and volleyball players – as well as a few non-athlete women – will be participating as well!

“We hope it becomes a lasting tradition here at Colby that gives people the opportunity to be a part of something very fun,” Kalonji said. 

As mentioned before, Kalonji couldn’t just stop after finding some women on campus to participate – she needed to find men from our football team to be coaches too!

“It was a bit difficult at first to convince the football guys,” Kalonji said, “but we found that with some more perseverance, we were able to really collectively construct a vision and create some excitement around the game!”

Among the many coaches that Kalonji found was All-NESCAC running back, Keon Smart `25, who is nothing but excited and will be coaching the team named the “First Down Divas” for this upcoming event.

“I got the coach job because the Divas really wanted the best running back head coach in the game,” Smart said. “I want to be a part of a team that wants me, so this was an easy decision.”

Similarly to Kalonji, Smart thinks that Powderpuff is an incredible opportunity for the College to see what the women on campus are capable of in the world of sports.

“I love this event,” Smart said. “I think it’s great to show support to the women and be able to see their athletic backgrounds through the lens of football. It’s gonna be fun competing and seeing everyone having a fun time!”

Smart has the utmost confidence in his team and has the following advice for them: “Play D, throw, catch, run, touchdown celebrations, and a whole lot of backflips! And lastly, WIN.”

Like the football guys, Kalonji and her cheerleaders can not wait for this big day to arrive.

“We are very excited about game day,” Kalonji said. “Our team has been buzzing about it for a while and we think it will truly be the perfect way to end the year. I hope that this gives some more momentum to Colby Cheer so we can continue to pursue our mission to spread spirit to all the teams and events we support for next year and many more to come!

Kalonji also noted, however, that her team is still having trouble getting men to be volunteer cheerleaders for the event, so if anybody is interested, message the Colby College Cheer Team! 

 

~ Amelia Hanscom `27

Photo Credits: Liz Ochoa