The Utah State cheerleader who went viral for her tearful reaction to the 2023 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament was good sport to become an internet meme.
Aggies senior cheerleader Ashlyn Whimpey took to social media to poke fun at herself after TNT cameras captured her crying ahead of the 76-65 defeat of Utah State against Missouri in the first round of the tournament on Thursday.
Whimpey took to TikTok to share the viral video – including several headlines from the tearful moment – and wrote: “That time I was sad cheering on my last game.”
She added in her caption, “And now I’m a meme.”
Whimpey received support from Aggies senior guard Sean Bairstow, who reposted the viral video to his Instagram story.
“As encouraging as they are, congratulations on 20 years of success @ashwhimp,” Bairstow wrote.
Whimpey reposted the post and said, “Best season to cheer on my boy! So proud of you @seanbairstow2.
The student-athletes are a couple, according to The Sun.
Bairstow’s older brother, Cam, was an all-conference player at New Mexico from 2011-2014 and was selected 49th overall by the Chicago Bulls in the 2014 NBA Draft.
The elder Bairstow announced his retirement in August 2022.
Whimpey also shared his TikTok video on Instagram, writing, “Going out with a bang #marchsadness.”
The cheerleader handled the internet’s attention much differently than some people, who criticized TNT for allowing its cameras to highlight the dark moment.
“Bruh, why does TNT keep showing Utah State cheerleader crying?? Chill,” a Twitter user REMARKwhile another said, “Seriously, TNT? Highlight a crying cheerleader?”
Others sympathized with the eldest about the game marking the end of his college career.
Whimpey cheered in his final home game for the Aggies men’s basketball team on March 4, when Utah State edged Boise State, 86-73.
Prior to Thursday’s loss, Utah State had finished second in the Mountain West Conference this season with a 26-9 record.
Missouri will advance to face No. 15 Princeton on Saturday in the Round of 16.