Thiel cheerleader featured in ExploreClarion as Lil’ Scratchers camp registration continues

GREENVILLE, Pa.-- A Thiel College student-athlete’s journey through injury, resilience and preparation for her final collegiate cheer season is the focus of a recent feature by ExploreClarion as registration remains open for the College’s annual Lil’ Scratchers youth cheer camp where she will be a participant.

Register for Lil’ Scratchers

ExploreClarion recently profiled Sophia McGarvey '27, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing major from Emlenton, Pa., and a 2024 graduate of Allegheny-Clarion Valley High School, highlighting her recovery from a broken hand that sidelined her during the 2026 NCA College Nationals and her determination to return for one final season with the nationally recognized Thiel College competitive cheer team.

• Read the full story.

The story chronicles McGarvey's injury that prevented her from competing at nationals in Daytona Beach, Fla., and the perspective she has gained entering her senior season. McGarvey also reflects on the significance of returning for what she describes as her “last firsts” as a collegiate athlete.

The feature also highlights McGarvey’s excitement about mentoring the next generation of cheerleaders during Thiel College’s annual Lil’ Scratchers youth cheer camp.

Registration remains open for the Lil’ Scratchers camp scheduled for July 9-10 in Beeghly Gymnasium on the Thiel College campus. The camp is open to children ages 4-12 and will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. each day.

McGarvey will join fellow members of the Thiel College cheer team in leading instruction, games, activities and themed programming throughout the two-day camp. Participants will receive hands-on cheer instruction from members of one of the nation's top Division III competitive cheer programs while enjoying a variety of camp activities. Registration includes a camp T-shirt and bow.

The registration fee is $80 per participant.

Thiel College's competitive cheer program has established itself among the nation's elite. The Tomcats captured the 2023 NCA national championship, finished national runner-up in 2022. In early April, the Tomcats claimed their fifth consecutive top three national finish at the prestigious NCA College Nationals in Daytona Beach, Fla.

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• 📸 View photo gallery.

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