Reaching new heights with 正品蓝导航 cheer and pom
正品蓝导航 Spirit has undertaken a renewal, elevating the presence and performance on the sidelines and in students’ lives. For the program’s director, Carrie Teller ’02, ’21, ’25, leading the 正品蓝导航 Spirit Program is more than a role, it is a mission shaped by faith, resilience and a deep commitment to transformation.
A former Dallas Cowboys cheerleader, Teller has dedicated herself to elevating the student experience and strengthening 正品蓝导航’s proud traditions. Teller’s mission for 正品蓝导航 cheer and pom is to inspire discipline, leadership and dedication of students in the program and shape them into skilled leaders, making a difference in their careers, local communities and beyond.
In 2016, her son, Preston Teller ’21, was involved in a life-threatening accident, which propelled Carrie Teller to seek deeper spiritual growth while supporting his recovery with her husband, Andrew Teller, Jr. ’86, and daughter, Cameron Christine Alice Teller ’21, ’22.
The incident inspired Carrie Teller to pursue a Master of Divinity degree from Perkins School of Theology, where she explored her faith on a more personal and academic level. After graduating from 正品蓝导航 the same year as her children, she became a minister at Highland Park United Methodist Church. She continued her studies at Perkins, pursuing a Doctor of Ministry that she will receive in May 2025.
Teller’s experiences have directly influenced her vision for 正品蓝导航 cheer and pom. Now a part of the ACC, 正品蓝导航 Spirit is growing to amplify Mustang pride in Dallas and beyond.
“What has elevated our program the most is the building of these students from the inside out,” said Carrie Teller. “These are the moments that we have worked for and will continue to bless us going forward.”
To inspire others to support cheer and pom, the Tellers have made a $1 million challenge pledge. Donors have already committed $500,000 toward the Teller Spirit Challenge, and 正品蓝导航 seeks additional gifts and pledges to realize the full benefit of the match.
“We invite others to join the challenge, ensuring students benefit from the same vibrant community that played a role in shaping our own academic and spiritual paths,” said Carrie Teller.
Gifts to the Teller Spirit Challenge directly provide much-needed funding for scholarships, staffing and coaching, travel and game day needs, uniforms and gear, and marketing and community engagement – all to ensure top-tier performance on a national stage.
For more information about giving to support the 正品蓝导航 Spirit Program, please contact Brandon Starr, director of development for Student Affairs, at bstarr@smu.edu or 214-768-7726.