Hawaii Pacific University Athletics

Ariel McGrain joins the Sharks cheer team in her first year after previously attending Shepherd University and West Virginia University. The 5-foot-3 athlete from Martinsburg, West Virginia, is pursuing a degree in Psychology at Hawai'i Pacific.

McGrain cheered at Shepherd University in Shepherdstown, West Virginia, and West Virginia University in Morgantown, West Virginia, under coach Jennifer Roach. Prior to college, she attended Martinsburg High School, where she competed in cheerleading, as a base, and track, as a hurdler, and earned five letters. She captained both the varsity cheer and track teams, qualified for the state meet twice in cheer and once in track, and competed under coaches Samantha Baez (cheer) and Aaron Shiffler (track).

McGrain chose HPU for the beautiful environment and welcoming people. In her free time, she enjoys reading, swimming, arts and crafts and running. Looking ahead, she hopes to become a therapist and be happy. She was born in Martinsburg and has four siblings.