January 31, 2025
St. John’s University’s Red Storm Cheer team wrapped up its 2024-25 competitive season with a championship finish and visions of a bright future.
Showcasing a unique energy and spirit, the 28-member St. John’s Cheer team bested more than a half-dozen other qualifying teams in the Small Coed Division I Game Day division of the Universal Dance Association and Universal Cheer Association National Championships in Orlando, FL from January 17 to January 19.
Coach Anna Kambouras said the team traveled to Disney's ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex determined to win.
“They were outstanding,” Coach Kambouras said. “They are a great team of determined athletes who were focused on winning and performing their best. We are all so proud of them.”
The national championship event featured competition from across the country, and the St. John’s team displayed an innovative choreography, characteristic team spirit, and unwavering enthusiasm. St. John’s placed second in each of the previous two years.
“I knew from the beginning of this season that if any team from St. John’s was going to win, it was this one,” senior Makayla O’Donnell said. “After finishing second in each of the past two years, the upperclassmen came back with extreme passion, and that rubbed off on the newcomers this year.”
“I know it is my final experience, but I hope it is just the beginning of what is to come for the athletes that follow,” Makayla continued. “It was an incredible experience for me and the program. It will allow for greater opportunities for the program to grow.”
Cheer teams were evaluated for their stunting and tumbling skills, crowd-leading ability, and ability to work as a unit. The Red Storm team earned a final score of 93.6 points. The squad also scored a 90.5 in the overall Small Coed Division I Game Day Finals, placing sixth in that competition.
“All 28 of us worked so hard, and to be able to bring home a gold medal was almost surreal,” said first-year cheerleader Valentina Cruz. “And we are just getting started. This year, we learned how to become winners, and I know that will carry on into the future.”
Dance teams, meanwhile, were judged on choreography, technique, execution, and overall effect. St. John’s Dance team finished 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 placed 10th among 31 teams with a final score of 83.9 points.
Members of the St. John’s Cheer and Dance teams regularly perform at Red Storm men’s and women’s basketball games and practice three times weekly from August through New Year’s Day. They double up on practices leading up to national competitions.
“People might not realize how athletic cheer and dance are,” Coach Kambouras said. “They are very dedicated to what they do.”
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