The Utah State cheerleader who went viral for her tearful reaction during the 2023 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament was a good sport about becoming an internet meme.
Ashlyn Whimpey, a senior Aggies cheerleader, took to social media to poke fun at herself after TNT cameras captured her crying before Utah State’s 76-65 loss to Missouri in the first round of the tournament Thursday.
Whimpey turned to TikTok to share the viral video — including multiple headlines about the tearful moment — and wrote: “That one time when I was sad to cheer at my last game.”
She added in her caption: “And now I’m a meme.”
Whimpey received support from senior Aggies guard Sean Bairstow, who reposted the viral video on his Instagram Story.
“As supportive as they come, congrats on such a successful 20 years of cheer @ashwhimp,” Bairstow wrote.
Whimpey reposted the message and said, “The best season cheering for my boy! So proud of you @seanbairstow2.”
The student-athletes are in a relationship together, according to The Sun.
Bairstow’s older brother, Cam, was an all-conference player at New Mexico from 2011-14 and was selected 49th overall by the Chicago Bulls in the 2014 NBA Draft.
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The elder Bairstow announced his retirement in August 2022.
Whimpey also shared her TikTok video on Instagram, writing, “Going out with a bang #marchsadness.”
The cheerleader handled the internet attention much differently than some people, who criticized TNT for allowing its cameras to highlight the somber moment.
“Bruh why does TNT keep showing the crying Utah State cheerleader?? Chill,” one Twitter user remarked, while another said, “Seriously, TNT? Highlighting a crying cheerleader?”
Others sympathized with the senior about the game marking the end of her collegiate cheer career.
Whimpey cheered at her last home game for the Aggies men’s basketball team on March 4, when Utah State topped Boise State, 86-73.
Prior to Thursday’s loss, Utah State finished second in the Mountain West Conference this season with a record of 26-9.
Missouri will advance to face No. 15 Princeton on Saturday in the Round of 32.
