SHU Cheer is Back on Top as UCA Champions

The Sacred Heart University cheerleading team took the mat on Jan. 18 at ESPN’s Wide World of Sports complex in Orlando, Fla.

They were able to capture first place while competing against 22 other teams. SHU scored 98 out of a possible 100 points in the All-Girls Division 1, Gameday Division. This marks the team’s fifth championship in six years at the Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA).

“It is such a huge accomplishment, especially coming out in third place in 2024,” said Head Coach Christina “CJ” Rodriguez. “The championship means a lot to the team and the program as a whole.”

Rodriguez has been the head coach of the team since the fall of 2016 and has had all five of these championships under her leadership.

“This season and the routine are so special, we worked together as a team to really shape this routine to fit the girls’ personalities,” she said. “They made lots of suggestions every practice on things we should do, it was the first time we truly felt like the routine they were performing was theirs.”

“I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect ending to my cheerleading career than this past weekend,” said senior Isabella Rondinelli, captain of the gameday team. “From the very start of the season, we put in countless hours of hard work, and bringing home first place with such an incredible score was an unreal feeling.”

The team started their preseason on Aug. 1 and have practiced five days a week since the start of the fall semester, with practices twice a day over winter break.

“We faced a number of bumps in the road throughout the season, but those challenges ultimately made us stronger as a program,” said Rondinelli. “Every obstacle we overcame brought us closer together, and it’s that resilience that made our success even more meaningful.”

Rondinelli and the team decided to change things up this year.

“In the past, we stuck towards our traditional fight song motions and timeout music, but this year we decided it was time for a change,” Rondinelli said. “We had a choreographer come in to spice up our routine, we chose our music, which ended up being ‘Crazy Train’ by Ozzy Ozborne, which then became a theme for the season.”

“The team had ‘All aboard!’ as the motto of their season,” said Rodriguez. “With their music being ‘Crazy Train,’ we kept referring to being on the crazy train and just enjoying the ride.”

The recent renovations of the William H. Pitt. Athletic and Convocation center proved challenging to the team.

“One of the biggest obstacles we faced was not having a consistent practice area; it was challenging to adapt to changing spaces and maintain our focus with the constant adjustments,” said sophomore Jonna Lord. “Despite this, we stayed determined and resilient, working together as a team to push through the uncertainties.”

Lord will never forget this season.

“A memory I will cherish forever is the moment we were announced as national champions while surrounded by 53 of my best friends,” Lord said. “The overwhelming feeling of pride, joy and accomplishment we all shared in that moment is something I will never forget.”

“It wasn’t just about winning, it was about the bond we built along the way and the unwavering support that we gave each other every step of the journey,” said Lord.

Although their season has now concluded, they look to continue to build on this success in the upcoming seasons.

“We aim to strengthen our team culture, foster leadership within our squad, and

serve as role models in our community,” said Lord. “The goal is to not only defend our championship title but also to leave a lasting legacy for future generations of SHU cheerleaders.”

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