Lockdown 1.0 brought with it some mammoth TV shows to binge on (and just in the nick of time, too – who knew when they were being produced that the world would have nothing to do BUT watch TV for an entire year?), with Netflix putting out some of the best.
First there was Tiger King, which took the world by absolute storm, and soon after Selling Sunset, the structured reality show which saw Los Angeles’ elite real estate agents sell some of the world’s biggest and best homes – granted us three seasons in quick succession.
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Earn your spot on the mat with the best Netflix Cheer-inspired workout clothes
Arguably one of the biggest to come from the time was Cheer, which followed one of America’s premier cheerleading teams, The Navarro Bulldogs at Navarro College in Corsicana, Texas, as they prepared to compete in the country’s major tournament – the National Cheerleading Association National Championships in Daytona Beach, Florida.
Series two has just dropped on Netflix to some major noise, but the first series was a standout all on its own, with some of the best loved (and most controversial) characters launching into the limelight after it’s 2020 debut.
One such breakout star was Morgan Simianer, who joined the team as a “rookie” at the start of the season. Here’s what we know.
Who is Morgan Simianer?
Morgan was a “rookie” – or first year – athlete on Monica Aldama’s cheer squad, and quickly became a fan favourite thanks to her sweet nature, impressive talent and troubled background – more on that later.
She returned for the second series of Cheer as a “vet” – second year athlete – but when the pandemic hit and the team were forced to skip a year competing at Daytona, Morgan didn’t return to cheerleading at Navarro.
Speaking of having her chance to compete at Daytona for a second time cut short, she told ET online, “For me, personally, I struggled a lot because that was my last time with Navarro. So, you know, dealing with, ‘I’m not going to cheer again, I never really got to compete,’ it was very hard.
“I was like, ‘At least I have all the memories and the amazing opportunities and the friendships and the bonds.’ That will last a lifetime. That’s what carried me through.”
How old is Morgan Simianer?
When we first meet Morgan she’s 22, and now she’s 24, set to turn 25 in October.
Where is Morgan Simianer from?
Morgan came from humble beginnings and faced trauma early on in life, which is part of the reason she was so loved on series one.
She’s originally from Loveland Colorado and grew up in a trailer with her older brother, her dad living with his new family and her mother having left when they were both very young. When she was forced to raise herself after her brother also left to find their mum, she was invited to live with her grandparents. Shortly after she enrolled at Navarro College to join the cheer team on scholarship and the rest, as they say, is history.
What has Morgan said about Monica Aldama?
It’s Morgan’s troubled start in life that’s evidently translated into her skill on the mat and her determination to succeed, but there’s no doubt that Navarro Bulldogs inimitable head cheer coach, Monica Aldama, is also a driving force.
Referring to Monica as her “second mom” in series one, Morgan said, "If Monica believes in me enough to put me in, then I should be able to trust myself. I’d do anything for that woman.”
Is Morgan Simianer still at Navarro college?
Morgan graduated from Navarro in May 2020 and went on to University at Texas Tech where she still studies, alongside fellow Navarro cheer alumni Austin Bayles and Mackenzie "Sherbs" Sherburn.
CHECK OUT the best Cheer inspired fitness gear
Cheer inspired fitness gear slider
1 of 13Nike Pro Dri-FIT Shorts
You'll catch the Cheers athletes of both Navarro and TVCC teams wearing plenty of comfortable workout gear, and practising their stunts in these Nike Pro Dri-FIT shorts.
2 of 13Weekday Cheer Bikini Top with High Neck in Light Blue
This powder blue top gets our vote.
3 of 13Navarro Cheer Sweatshirt
Fully rep Navarro college with this graphic sweatshirt.
4 of 13Energy Bra Long Line
A comfortable and supportive sports bra, ideal for even the toughest of workouts.
5 of 13Under Armour Tech Short Sleeve
A soft lightweight t-shirt that's available in plenty of different colours if light grey isn't up your street.
6 of 13Gymshark Speed tank
This top is cute AF and super lightweight, so it's excellent for most sports, whether you're running or doing yoga.
7 of 13Adidas Sweatshirt
Need some loungewear? This sweatshirt is brilliantly comfy and perfect for those self-care Sundays.
8 of 13Navarro Classic T-Shirt
Show just how much of a Cheer fan you are with this graphic t-shirt with Navarro College's motto.
9 of 13Women's Shape Seamless Leggings - Black
These high-waisted leggings are perfect for any workout, especially during these winter months.
10 of 13Ruched Training Sports Bra
We love an all-black fitness outfit and this sports bra is the perfect addition to it.
11 of 13BuildLife 3.78L/2.2L Wide Mouth Gym Water Bottle
Just like the Cheer cast, you've got to keep hydrated, and this gorgeous 3.78L water bottle is just the way to do it.
12 of 13Training Ankle Socks
The cheer cast is famous for having a clean, clear cut image, and these white socks are definitely part of it.
13 of 13Uplifting Scrunchie
There's nothing worse than working out with your hair flying around in your face, and this soft scrunchie will keep your hair in place throughout your workouts.
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Has Morgan Simianer got a boyfriend?
You only have to glance at Morgan’s Instagram to see she’s seriously loved up with her super hunky (yeah we said that) bloke Stone Burleson. They are, truly, America's sweethearts.
Has Morgan Simianer got kids?
Not yet, but she is cat mum to her cute kitten Louis Boujie.
What is Morgan Simianer’s Instagram?
You can follow Morgan and her super shiny life at @morgannlyn.