Events, Featured, News

UCA Summer Camps 2024 highlights

Posted on August 15, 2024August 19, 2024 by Steve Pawlyk

15
Aug

By Steve Pawlyk

Published August 15, 2024

The 2024 Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA) summer camps have wrapped up, leaving a trail of incredible performances, standout athletes, and team successes across the country. From coast to coast, teams of all levels showcased their skills, teamwork, and determination at these prestigious camps, earning accolades and preparing for a competitive season ahead. Today, let’s take a closer look at some of the teams and athletes that shined this summer.

Northside Varsity Cheer: Building Bonds and Breaking Barriers

Northside Varsity Cheer attended the UCA camp at East Carolina University from July 8-10, alongside 12 other schools. The team focused on enhancing their stunting, jumps, dances, and overall choreography. Five of their cheerleaders—senior captains Sierra Minor, Trinity O’Neal, and Addy Davenport, along with juniors Khloe Hewitt and Mackenzie Conoway—were selected as UCA All-Americans. Their success didn’t stop there—Northside also clinched first place in the Medium Varsity Division for cheer and crowd leading and received the prestigious “Tradition Award” for inspiring leadership on and off the field. This camp was not only a competition but a vital team-bonding experience that left the girls stronger and more confident.

ULM Cheerleading and Hawkline: Stepping Up to Nationals

ULM Cheerleading’s Hawkline made a powerful statement at the UCA/UDA camp at Southern Methodist University from July 19-21. Their relentless effort paid off as they earned blue ribbons across the board and were awarded the Most Improved title, securing a silver bid to Nationals in Daytona, Fla., in April 2025. Hawkline dancers Amelia Long and Haley Hoover also earned All-American honors. The camp marked a significant milestone in ULM’s growth, with all three spirit groups, including Ace the Warhawk, winning Most Improved awards—a testament to their hard work and dedication.

Minot North: Rising Stars in Varsity Cheer

Minot North’s cheer team, only in their second year as a varsity squad, made waves at the UCA camp on August 2-3. The team excelled in various workshops, earning a gold ribbon for their camp cheer routine and a superior squad trophy. Six members—Jaidyn White, Ashley Carr, Vreelyn Nygaard, Winter Getzlaff, Payton Stolba, and Alina Kibler—were named UCA All-Americans. This remarkable achievement highlights the talent and potential of this young team as they head into their first year cheering at home games in their own school.

Watseka Community High School: A Tradition of Excellence

Watseka Community High School’s varsity cheer squad attended UCA camp at Purdue University from June 18-21, where they brought home the camp championship trophy for their routine, which featured a dance with a building pyramid. The squad also earned two superior blue ribbons during the week. Three cheerleaders—Marisa Clark, Siara Sansone, and Summer Yarneau—were selected as All-Americans, and Clark and Sansone were invited to apply for the UCA staff. Watseka’s strong performance at camp is a testament to the squad’s talent and dedication, and they are poised to bring this momentum into the upcoming sports season.

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Mainland High School: All-American Honors Abound

Mainland High School celebrated eight of its cheerleaders being named UCA All-Americans this summer. Among the honored athletes were G’lia Foster, Kelsi Jenkins, Amari Langford, Amyah Watlington, Aysia Thompson, Kamya Sampson, Terrianha Williams, and Aniyah Ray. These athletes now have the opportunity to perform at prestigious events across the globe, including parades in Philadelphia, Orlando, London, and Rome. Mainland’s success at UCA camp reflects their dedication to excellence and their role as ambassadors of cheerleading.

Butler County High School: Excelling in Competition

The Butler County High School (BCHS) cheerleading squad had a stellar showing at the UCA camp in July, where they earned first place in the cheer competition and took second in the camp routine. Their performance not only earned them trophies but also set the stage for a promising season ahead. BCHS cheerleaders, including standout athletes Sara Peyton Dospapas and Emily Clark, are proving themselves as formidable competitors in every arena they enter.

Coahoma Community College: Preparing for Greatness

Coahoma Community College (CCC) cheerleaders are gearing up for an exciting season after attending the UCA College Cheer and Dance Camp at the University of Alabama from July 18-21. This prestigious camp offered CCC cheerleaders the chance to learn from top-tier instructors, focusing on advanced techniques in stunting, tumbling, and performance. The experience has left the team well-prepared and motivated for the challenges of the upcoming academic year.

Rainier High School: Small But Mighty

Rainier High School cheerleaders brought home multiple accolades from the UCA camp at Great Wolf Lodge in Centralia, held from July 15-18. Competing against 14 other schools, Rainier earned first place in their camp routine and second place in the game-day routine. Additionally, four cheerleaders—Briella Davenport, Peyton Thomas, Marian Jackson, and Samantha Cohen-Olson—were selected as All-Americans. Despite being one of the smaller teams at the camp, Rainier’s cheerleaders demonstrated that size is no barrier to success. Thomas was especially thrilled to be selected as an All-American this year after initially hesitating to try out in 2023.

Bemidji High School: Consistent Excellence

Bemidji High School saw eight of its cheerleaders earn All-American honors at the UCA camp held from July 29-31. Among the recognized athletes were Abby Loebs, Kennedy Rasmus, Kaiahna Martell, Lola VanEngelenhoven, Taylor Joy, Natasha Chastek, Zaquia Williams, and Lauren White. Loebs, Rasmus, and Williams earned the distinction for a second time, showcasing their consistent excellence in the sport. Bemidji’s cheerleaders have consistently demonstrated their skills, sportsmanship, and teamwork, earning them opportunities to perform on global stages from Florida to Hawaii and even in Europe.

Graham High School: A Winning Team Spirit

Graham High School’s cheer squad made a statement at the UCA camp at Great Wolf Lodge in Grapevine from July 11-14. Six cheerleaders were named All-Americans, including senior Sara Peyton Dospapas, junior Emily Clark, and sophomores Ella Andrade, Aiyana Gideon, Emma Hamm, and Bayleigh McGee. Additionally, Dospapas was invited to try out for a UCA staff position next year following her graduation. Graham’s team also won multiple awards, including three spirit sticks and superior ribbons, and placed first in the Game Day Routine, earning them a bid to the UIL State Cheerleading event in January 2025.

Ingleside High School: Dominating the UCA Camp

Ingleside High School cheerleaders had a fantastic showing at the UCA camp at Moody Gardens in Galveston from July 28-31. Seven varsity cheerleaders—Paityn McCombs, Allison Howland, Aleeah Lopez, Haylie Perez, Vivian Davis, Giselle Hernandez, and Bailey Patton—were named All-Americans. The junior varsity squad also earned superior trophies and All-American recognition for juniors Shayleigh Williams, Leah Stearns, Cheyenne Witt, sophomore Lilly Cordova, and freshman Gabriella Castillo. Ingleside’s success at the camp is a reflection of their hard work and dedication, setting them up for a successful year ahead.

Rio Rancho High School: Masters of the Camp

Rio Rancho High School’s varsity cheer team found success at the UCA Masters Camp in Loveland, Colorado, from July 10-13. The team placed second in both cheer and stunt sequences and won first place in the camp routine. The squad also celebrated 10 All-American selections, including standout athletes Sean Barnes and Austin Erwin, and a male jump-off champion. With such a strong performance, Rio Rancho is ready to chase a state title in the upcoming season.

Rock Springs High School: Sixteen All-Americans and Counting

Rock Springs High School’s Tigers Cheer Team had an outstanding performance at the UCA camp, with 16 cheerleaders being named All-Americans. The honored athletes include Bridgette Taylor, Braylynn Greene, Nevaeh Anderson, Azalia Ruiz, Masen Werkele, Sean Barnes, Austin Erwin, Gavin Tongate, Brooke East, Alexus Bowles, Adyson Sellers, Aizlynn Abram, Aliza Ransom, Noelle Moser, Jensyn Cordova, and Ireland Lew. The team also received a superior rating, showcasing their exceptional talent and dedication. Head Coach Dena Douchant expressed immense pride in her team’s accomplishments, which have set the stage for a successful season ahead.

Pike County Middle School: Young Stars on the Rise

Pike County Middle School cheerleaders proved their mettle at the UCA camp at Great Wolf Lodge, with six athletes—Kelsey Sirmon, Taryn Hancock, Jersey Wright, Carsyn Everitte, Ansley Boes, and Brooklyn Kneringer—earning All-American titles. Their outstanding performances have earned them the opportunity to participate in the prestigious Disney World Thanksgiving Day Parade, a significant achievement for these young cheerleaders.

St. Mary’s and Fredericksburg Middle School: Preparing for the Season Ahead

Cheer teams from St. Mary’s and Fredericksburg Middle School joined forces at a UCA camp from May 30 to June 1, focusing on enhancing teamwork and performance skills. With summer training camps in full swing, these squads are gearing up for the competitive season ahead, ready to bring their best to the cheerleading stage.

As the summer camps come to a close, these remarkable teams and athletes have set the tone for a thrilling cheer season. Their hard work, dedication, and achievements at UCA camps nationwide highlight the spirit of cheer and the incredible talent within these squads. As they move into the 2024-25 season, we can expect to see these teams continue to excel and inspire on the sidelines and beyond.

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Coaching, Featured, Practice Tips, Safety, Tips

Rookie to Pro: Developing a Successful Cheerleading Progression Program

Posted on August 21, 2023August 21, 2023 by Steve Pawlyk

21
Aug

By Steve Pawlyk

Published August 21, 2023

Progression is key. Whether you’re a cheer coach or a gym owner, developing a successful cheerleading progression program can be the difference between building champions or falling short of your goals. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the essential steps to create a structured and effective progression program that helps athletes grow and succeed in cheerleading.

1. Understanding the Importance of Progression in Cheerleading

Progression in cheerleading is about more than moving up levels; it’s about growth, mastery, and success. A well-designed progression program:

Ensures Safety: By gradually building skills, athletes avoid attempting maneuvers beyond their abilities, reducing the risk of injury. For example, mastering a back handspring before attempting a tuck ensures proper technique and confidence.
Enhances Skill Development: A structured progression allows athletes to build on foundational skills, leading to more advanced abilities. For instance, starting with basic stunts before progressing to elite stunts ensures a strong foundation.
Builds Confidence: Achieving milestones boosts self-esteem and motivation. Celebrating an athlete’s first successful cartwheel, for example, can inspire them to tackle more challenging skills.
Creates a Pathway to Success: A clear progression path provides a roadmap for athletes, coaches, and parents. For example, outlining the journey from novice to elite levels helps set expectations and goals.

2. Assessing the Current Skill Level

Understanding where athletes are starting is crucial:

Identify Strengths and Weaknesses: Conduct evaluations to pinpoint areas of proficiency and areas needing improvement. For example, if an athlete excels in tumbling but struggles with stunting, tailor their training accordingly.
Set Realistic Goals: Based on assessments, create achievable targets. If an athlete is close to mastering a back tuck, that may be a short-term goal, while a full twist might be a long-term target.
Create Personalized Training Plans: Develop individualized plans that cater to each athlete’s needs. For example, an athlete needing to improve flexibility might have specific stretching routines.

3. Setting Clear and Achievable Goals

Specific: Define exactly what is to be achieved. Instead of “improve tumbling,” aim for “master a back handspring.”
Measurable: Set criteria for measuring progress. For example, “perform a clean back handspring with no spotter.”
Achievable: Ensure goals are within reach. Setting a goal to master a complex stunt within a week may be unrealistic.
Relevant: Align goals with overall team objectives and individual growth. For example, if the team’s focus is on synchronized tumbling, individual goals should support this.
Time-bound (SMART): Set deadlines for achieving goals. For example, “master a back handspring within two months.”

4. Designing the Progression Pathway

Defining Levels and Milestones: Break down the progression into levels with specific milestones. For example, Level 1 might focus on basic tumbling, while Level 2 introduces stunting.
Creating Skill Checklists: Develop detailed checklists for each level. For example, a Level 1 checklist might include a forward roll, cartwheel, and roundoff.
Integrating Flexibility and Strength Training: Include exercises that build the physical attributes needed for cheerleading. For example, core strengthening exercises to support tumbling.
Providing Opportunities for Performance and Competition: Offer chances to showcase skills, such as in-house exhibitions or local competitions, to build experience and confidence.

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5. Implementing Effective Coaching Strategies

Coaching strategies are crucial:

Utilizing Positive Reinforcement: Praise and reward achievements, big or small. For example, recognizing an athlete’s improvement in jump technique can boost morale.
Encouraging Teamwork and Collaboration: Foster a supportive environment where athletes help each other. For example, pairing experienced athletes with beginners for peer coaching.
Providing Regular Feedback and Assessments: Offer constructive feedback and regular assessments to track progress. For example, monthly evaluations to update goals and training plans.
Investing in Continuous Coach Education: Encourage coaches to attend workshops and certifications to stay current with best practices.

6. Monitoring and Evaluating Progress

Conducting Regular Skill Assessments: Schedule assessments to gauge progress. For example, quarterly evaluations to update goals and training plans.
Tracking Progress Through Documentation: Keep detailed records of each athlete’s development. For example, a digital portfolio with videos of skill mastery.
Adjusting Training Plans as Needed: Modify plans based on progress. If an athlete quickly masters a skill, adjust their plan to introduce new challenges.
Celebrating Achievements and Milestones: Acknowledge and celebrate successes, such as moving to a new level or mastering a challenging skill.

7. Emphasizing Safety and Well-being

Following Safety Guidelines and Protocols: Adhere to industry standards and guidelines. For example, ensuring proper matting and equipment for stunting.
Ensuring Proper Equipment and Facilities: Regularly inspect and maintain equipment and facilities. For example, checking spring floors for wear and tear.
Providing Adequate Rest and Recovery: Implement rest days and recovery strategies to prevent overtraining. For example, incorporating yoga or foam rolling sessions.
Focusing on Mental and Emotional Well-being: Support athletes’ mental health through open communication and resources. For example, providing access to sports psychologists if needed.

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8. Engaging Parents and Guardians

Regular Communication: Keep parents informed through newsletters, meetings, or apps. For example, a monthly newsletter highlighting achievements and upcoming events.
Parent Meetings and Workshops: Host informational sessions to educate parents about the progression program, expectations, and how they can support their athletes.
Encouraging Support and Participation: Invite parents to be involved, whether through volunteering or attending performances and competitions.

Developing a successful cheerleading progression program requires careful planning, thoughtful execution, and a commitment to excellence. With these guidelines, you can create a program that fosters growth and success in cheerleading.