The student section erupts in cheers as the Gibbons football team scores a touchdown, students jumping as the stands shake with excitement. Cheerleaders launch into their routine with precision, flipping through the air in perfect backflips. Nearby, a group of students pull out a board and hoist another student onto it. As he starts doing push-ups, the crowd counts along. When he passes ten, the cheers grow even louder.
Behind the madness, students look on alongside faculty members. Ms. Megan O’Neill, the moderator of the Green Army, claps and laughs with her Green Army generals, who are spread throughout the crowd to generate hype and keep the energy high.
One of Green Army’s student leaders is senior Julia Torres, who was promoted to general during her junior year by O’Neill.
“I got picked by Ms. O’Neill when she took over Green Army,” Torres said. “We had an interest meeting over the summer where she explained what it was like and asked if we wanted to be involved. I thought it would be fun.”
Green Army generals are deeply involved in Gibbons athletics, meeting before every game to prepare and plan how they will lead the student section.
“We usually have meetings where we coordinate what we’re going to do,” Torres said. “For events like Silent Night, we have multiple planning meetings where we talk about things like getting hats and organizing cheers.”
In addition to planning in person, Torres specializes in the social media aspect of Green Army, curating posts that keep students informed about upcoming games and special activities within the Gibbons community. However, she is just one of many leaders who help run the program.
Senior Adriano Diotaiuti Veloso is another Green Army general who plays a key role in organizing student spirit.
“Being a Green Army general is really more about organization than anything else,” Veloso said. “Our role is understanding what students want and figuring out how to bring that energy into the games. By planning themes and activities, we’re able to create the best experience possible, which means anticipating the needs of everyone in the student section.”
Whether it is wrestling, swimming, or football, Green Army generals work to keep student energy high across all sports. Often serving as the backbone of the student section, they carry significant responsibility, as their leadership, decisions, and image directly influence student participation and enthusiasm at games.
“We’re a backup generator,” Veloso said. “If they don’t bring the energy, we will.”
From incoming freshmen to seniors, becoming involved with Green Army offers students the chance to step into the role of the game-day hype crew and make a lasting impact on school spirit. According to Green Army generals, the most important part of being involved is simply showing up.
“Never be ashamed,” Veloso said. “If you want to stand out or contribute more, be there. Presence is really everything.”
Torres echoed that message, encouraging students to stay engaged throughout the year.
“Keep an eye out for Green Army events and show up to school activities,” Torres said.
By bringing energy, enthusiasm, and commitment to the stands, Green Army members help transform ordinary games into unforgettable experiences for the entire Gibbons community.
