Brandi Hopson's journey has taken her from the Winston-Salem State University Powerhouse to the sidelines of the NFL and, most recently, the Ms. Black USA crown. Now, she is returning to where her cheerleading journey began.
Winston-Salem State University announced Aug. 14 that Hopson is joining the university's athletics department as an assistant cheer coach, bringing her collegiate and professional experience back to the Powerhouse of Red and White. For Hopson, the position represents a return to the program that helped shape her career.
A Greensboro native, Hopson attended WSSU and was a member of the Powerhouse during her time at the university. After graduating with a degree in mass communications, she continued pursuing cheerleading and eventually reached the professional level. Her professional career included four seasons as a Carolina Panthers TopCat. During that time, she rose to become a captain and was selected as the Panthers' 2025 Pro Bowl Cheerleader.
Her connection to WSSU remained strong even after moving into professional cheerleading. In 2023, Hopson was among the former Powerhouse members who had gone on to cheer with the Panthers' TopCats when WSSU's Powerhouse performed alongside the NFL team's professional cheerleaders during a Panthers game celebrating Black culture.
The performance brought together two different styles of cheerleading. WSSU's Powerhouse is known for its HBCU stomp-and-shake style, while the TopCats use a professional dance-based style.
For Hopson, the connection between the two programs created a full-circle moment, allowing her to represent both her alma mater and her professional team.
Her career has continued to expand beyond cheerleading.
In 2026, Hopson was crowned Ms. Black USA, adding another platform to her work as a performer, mentor and advocate. The official Ms. Black USA organization lists Hopson as North Carolina's representative among its 2026 finalists.
Her return to WSSU now adds another role to that journey.
As an assistant cheer coach, Hopson will work with members of the Powerhouse while bringing lessons from her time as a collegiate cheerleader, professional NFL cheerleader and pageant titleholder.
WSSU Athletics described her experience as providing a foundation in performance, leadership, discipline and mentorship.
Those experiences give Hopson a perspective that extends beyond performing.
The Powerhouse has become one of WSSU's most recognizable programs, gaining national attention for its stomp-and-shake style and appearances beyond the university. The team has performed alongside the Carolina Panthers' TopCats and appeared in Ciara's “J.U.M.P.” music video.
For students joining the program today, Hopson's career provides an example of where an HBCU cheerleading experience can lead.
