Members of the Swainsboro High School Basketball Cheerleading Squad, Lady Tigers Basketball Team, and Lady Tigers Flag Football Team recently stepped outside their comfort zones and embraced new challenges during Tiger Challenge 2026 at Georgia Southern University.
The one-day leadership and team-building event was facilitated by MSG Clark, SSG Crissy, SSG Phillips, and SSG Walker and focused on helping student-athletes develop trust, communication, confidence, and teamwork. Throughout the day, participants were placed in situations that required them to rely on one another, listen carefully, and work together to successfully complete tasks.
One of the day’s signature activities was the 60-foot rappel tower. Student-athletes were challenged to trust the facilitators, follow instructions, and find the courage to step backward off the tower before safely descending to the ground. While intimidating at first, the experience encouraged participants to push beyond their fears and discover a newfound confidence in themselves.
The Tiger Challenge was established in 2017 through the collaborative efforts of Coaches Monica Y. Pace and Alexandria Walden, JROTC Instructor Sgt. Phillip Robinson, and former JROTC Instructor Captain Lee Sirmans. Since joining Emanuel County Schools, SHS JROTC Instructor Major Eddie Oliver has played an instrumental role in helping sustain and support the event’s continued success.
More than just a day of activities, Tiger Challenge is designed to help student-athletes understand the importance of teamwork, effective communication, leadership, and trust. The lessons learned throughout the event are intended to strengthen relationships among teammates and provide skills that can be applied both in athletics and everyday life.
Coaches Pace and Walden remain fully invested in the program and hope to expand participation to include additional Emanuel County Schools athletic programs in the future. Their vision is for more student-athletes to experience the personal growth and team-building benefits that Tiger Challenge provides.
Following another successful year, plans are already being discussed for Tiger Challenge Part II, which is expected to take place this fall.
