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The St. John’s University Red Storm Cheer team concluded its 2024-25 season in spectacular fashion, capturing a national championship and setting the stage for a promising future.
Competing in the Small Coed Division I Game Day category at the Universal Dance Association (UDA) and Universal Cheer Association (UCA) National Championships in Orlando, FL, the Red Storm Cheer team triumphed over more than seven other top teams. The event, held from January 17 to January 19 at Disney’s ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, marked a monumental achievement for the 28-member squad.
Coach Anna Tambouras was quick to praise her team for their determination and skill.
“They were absolutely incredible,” Coach Tambouras said. “This is a team of talented athletes who were laser-focused on performing their best and securing the win. We’re all extremely proud of what they accomplished.”
The national championship event brought together elite cheerleading squads from across the country, with St. John’s standing out for their innovative choreography, infectious team spirit, and relentless energy. After finishing in second place in the previous two years, the Red Storm Cheer team finally claimed the top spot.
“I knew from the start that this year was our year,” said senior team member Makayla O’Donnell. “After coming so close in the past, the upperclassmen returned with unmatched passion, which motivated the newcomers. It was an incredible feeling to see all our hard work pay off.”
O’Donnell, who described the win as a defining moment in her cheerleading career, added, “I know this is my last season, but I believe this is just the beginning for the future of St. John’s Cheer. This victory opens up new possibilities for the program’s growth.”
At the competition, cheerleading teams were evaluated on stunting, tumbling, crowd engagement, and overall team cohesion. The St. John’s Cheer team earned an impressive 93.6 points, which helped them secure their national title. They also placed sixth in the overall Small Coed Division I Game Day Finals with a score of 90.5 points.
In addition to cheerleading, the St. John’s Dance team also showcased their talent, finishing third in the Division I Dance Game Day Finals with a score of 88.8 points. In the Division I Jazz competition, the dance team earned a solid 10th place finish among 31 teams with a score of 83.9 points.
Both the Red Storm Cheer and Dance teams perform regularly at men’s and women’s basketball games, dedicating countless hours to practice three times a week from August through New Year’s. Leading up to national competitions, their commitment intensifies with additional practices.
“People often don’t realize how physically demanding cheer and dance can be,” said Coach Tambouras. “These athletes are incredibly dedicated and passionate about what they do.”
