Utah State cheerleader Ashlyn Whimpey embraces meme fame after viral NCAA basketball moment

The 2023 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament made headlines when a Utah State cheerleader, Ashlyn Whimpey, went viral for her tearful reaction caught on camera. Despite the internet's memes and jokes about her, Whimpey maintained a good sense of humor and even poked fun at herself on social media.

As a senior Aggies cheerleader, 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.

However, in the first round of the tournament against Missouri, Utah State lost 76-65. TNT cameras captured Whimpey crying before the game, and the video quickly spread across social media.

Whimpey didn't let the internet attention get her down. She posted the viral video on TikTok, along with multiple headlines about the moment, and joked: "And now I'm a meme." She also shared her TikTok video on Instagram, writing: "Going out with a bang #marchsadness."

She received support from Sean Bairstow

Senior Aggies guard Sean Bairstow, who is reportedly in a relationship with Whimpey, showed support for her by reposting the viral video on his Instagram Story. He wrote, "As supportive as they come, congrats on such a successful 20 years of cheer @ashwhimp."

While some people criticized TNT for highlighting the somber moment, others sympathized with Whimpey about the game marking the end of her collegiate cheer career. Whimpey received a lot of support from fans and fellow students, with many wishing her well in her future endeavors.

Prior to Thursday's loss against Missouri, 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.

Overall, Whimpey's reaction to becoming an internet meme was admirable. She showed resilience and humor, despite the negativity and criticisms that often come with online attention. Instead, she chose to embrace the moment and enjoy her last game as an Aggies cheerleader, making it a memorable experience for herself and her fans.

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