Interview: UH's Taucha Hogue, College Cheerleader of the Year Candidate

CBSSports.com hand-picked 16 cheerleaders around the nation and decided to hold a College Cheerleader of the Week Playoff system with the winner being crowned College Cheerleader of the Year on January 21. UH's Taucha Hogue defeated what Southern Cal had to offer in the first round and now she's in the quarterfinals. Hogue took time out of her busy schedule to chat with Houstonist.

First off, please give us some information about your high school background and what your major is at Houston's finest university.

I attended high school in Texarkana, Texas and moved to Houston my second year of college. I am now a fourth year student majoring in Logistics and Supply Chain Technology. I plan to graduate in December 2008.

How did you come about being chosen for College Cheerleader of the Week?

I had a few friends send me messages saying they saw me on the website. As far as I know, I was randomly chosen.

How are you handling the attention of being a big-time celebrity?

I don’t necessarily feel like a celebrity, but more like an honored Cougar Doll. I have only had a few people come up to me that I had not previously met and say they saw me on the website. The main feedback I have received is from support of friends, professors, teammates and classmates.

What's your family thinking about all of this?

My family is very excited for me as well. They have watched me dance since the age of four and they have been the biggest life cheerleaders for me. I am blessed to have such an amazing family.

So, how important has dancing been to your life?

I love it with everything I have and couldn’t imagine my life without it. It is not only an escape from the responsibilities and obligations of everyday life, but also can be an expression of energy and emotion.

We all now know you're a Cougar Doll superstar, but what other organizations are you apart of?

Aside from being a third year member of the University of Houston dance team, Cougar Dolls, I am also involved in SIDO, Student Industrial Distribution Organization. I have attended several events with this organization, including the American Supply Association’s Network ’07 in Anaheim this past fall.

Taucha Hogue is currently matched up against a Mississippi St. cheerleader and trails her by only 1% as of Thursday. You can vote for Taucha here: College Cheerleader of the Week Playoffs. Voting for the quarterfinals ends Monday, January 7 at 11 a.m.