The Saints Cheerleading Squad took first place in the College Division of the Chesapeake Championship held at Towson University on March 19. Both a points qualifier and a division qualifier, the first place finish over almost 30 other squads qualified the 15-member all-female team for the U.S. Finals to be held the end of May.
Head Cheerleading Coach Amanda Stokes noted it is a great accomplishment for a team that has only been competing for three years. “We are working on the team’s development as a competitive squad, getting them prepared to compete in more championships throughout the academic year, as well as cheer on the Saints,” Stokes said. She explained that raising the profile of Marymount’s squad on the national competitive landscape is a valuable tool for recruiting high school cheerleaders to the Division III school. “High school cheerleaders who love to compete want to continue competing at the collegiate level. The more successful we are building this aspect of the program, the greater our opportunities in attracting these experienced student-athletes to cheer and compete for Marymount,” Stokes said.
The team will seek to continue its winning streak at Six Flags in Maryland on April 30, where it hopes to reclaim the first place title the squad won last year. Stokes, who is also Graduate Enrollment Coordinator for the Office of Graduate Admissions, added, “I am so proud of this squad. I took over as head coach in January and that kind of mid-season change is always tough on a squad. We have come a long way and I can’t wait to see where we are headed.”
Photo captions
Photo 1:
Marymount University Cheerleaders take First Place at Chesapeake Championship. Team members include: (Front row left to right) Julia Lisbeth, Daijah Willis, Cassidy Olimpo, Megan Oliver, Shelby Stevenson, Bria Walton, Sulianys Hernandez. (Back row left to right) Jasmine Racy, Rebeka McIe, Coach Amanda Stokes, Morgan Carter, Captains Mary Maccarone and Ari Santos, Ronajah Holmes, Gabby Villarruel, Kylie Lis.
Photo 2:
Coach Amanda Stokes stands between MU Saints Cheerleading Squad Captains Mary Maccarone and Ari Santos in front of their first place banner.
