Iowa State University Athletics
Cyclone Nation Grieves Loss of Asst. Cheerleading Coach Alex Grafft
08.23.2021 | Athletics, Spirit Squad
AMES, Iowa - On August 21st, assistant Iowa State cheerleading coach Alex Grafft passed away after fighting complications from a sports injury. He had served the Cyclone spirit program since 2018.
As an undergraduate student, Alex was a member of the Kirkwood Community College and UNI cheerleading squads as well as performing with Iowa Elite Cheer. After college, Alex became a coach for TNT All Stars in Cedar Falls, Iowa. While coaching at Iowa State, Alex also ran open gyms and was a valued coach for Koach All Stars in Ankeny, Iowa.
Alex had an infectious personality that touched the lives of many. He not only was involved with cheerleading; he also served his country as a member of the Iowa National Guard since 2013. Staff Sargent Grafft was an officer candidate and had completed Phase 1 of officer candidate school. Alex loved his country and community, and had an intense passion for serving both.
In addition to his National Guard service, Alex had also been working tirelessly to become a police officer. He had been working as a corrections officer and was going to join the Des Moines Police Department in September.
Alex's desire to serve his community was a perfect example of the standards and values of the Iowa State cheerleading squad. He helped both the All-Girl and Co Ed squads perform at many games as well as helping take the teams to some of their highest finishes in program history at the NCA College Nationals. Alex was a force in the cheerleading world with his large-than-life stature and booming voice. He has touched the lives of so many through his instruction with cheerleading and his untouchable work ethic. Alex will forever live on in the spirit of his cheerleaders.
Visitation for Alex will be held Wednesday night from 4:00-8:00 p.m. and again on Thursday morning from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at St. Stephen's Lutheran Church located at 610 31st St. SE in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. His funeral will follow at the church at 11:00. A Military graveside service will be held at Cedar Memorial Cemetery followed by lunch and visitation back at the church. A memorial will take place in Des Moines at a later date.Â
In lieu of flowers, please direct donations to the family for the Alex Grafft memorial fund. His family is looking at multiple ways to honor Alex's memory. Checks can be made out to his father, LaMar Grafft, and sent to 4104 East Lang St., Farmville, North Carolina, 27828.Â
