University of Delaware Athletics
Photo by: Mark Campbell
Nationals Provide Opportunity To Show Off Pride, Hard Work
1/18/2019 8:00:00 AM | Delaware Athletics
ORLANDO, Fla. – One of the hardest working and passionate groups on the University of Delaware's campus are truly full of UD Pride.
The University of Delaware's spirit squads have an incredible tradition that includes numerous national championships and years and years of being tremendous Blue Hen ambassadors.
This weekend, those groups have their chance to put their hard work on display for the nation at UCA and UDA National Championships in Orlando, Fla.
Prior to heading south, BlueHens.com sat down with some members to talk about their experiences.
Amanda Scerbo – Dance Team: Class of 2019/Fashion Merchandising /Oakland, NJ
It is truly an honor to represent Delaware on the national stage because of the history of success the school and spirit program has had over the years. To be able to add to and grow that legacy each year makes me extremely proud.
Delaware is incredibly special to me because it has given me a place that I can happily call a second home. It is a state that I am proud to represent and know that I have "Blue Hens" everywhere to count on for support!
Over the past four years, I was fortunate enough to experience such a unique journey while being a part of the spirit squad. It has meant the world to me to be involved in such a supportive program that has allowed me to participate in unforgettable events and endless opportunities to succeed. I was able to form close bonds with people on both the cheer team and the mascot team, as well as friendships with many other athletes at the school.
With any competitive event, confidence is key. For us, when approaching a National Championship weekend, we really focus on staying present in each moment. Our entire journey of ups and downs has lead us to this very important weekend, so we do not take it for granted. There is a great deal of mental preparation that we go through up until we perform, but our greatest approach is to continue exhibiting our sense of unity and togetherness.
Dominique Kulikowski – Dance Team: /Class of 2019/ Apparel Design/ Williamstown, NJ
It's more than just an honor, it's a privilege to represent the University of Delaware on the national stage. Walking out, hearing our parents, the cheer team, mascots chanting "We are Delaware" and knowing that numerous alums are watching behind the screen, encourages one another to make our school proud and to show everyone what Delaware is truly made of.
The school spirit is so impactful as well as the memories. Being a part of this team has allowed me to become unified within the school. By dancing at football, volleyball and basketball games, I'm able to create memories everywhere with everyone.
Being on the team for four years, allowed me to realize how fortunate I was to dance with girls who shared that common vision and passion as I did on a collegiate level. The family bond that has been created, established and grown over the years has impacted my life greatly as a dancer and as a person. Those girls on that team mean the world to me and so much more.
We are a humble yet confident group. When we set our minds on our goal, we fight every inch as a team for it and that's exactly what we are preparing to do in and out of practice until we compete. We all remain calm and rely on each other to believe that we are capable and talented to bring the competition to the next level.
Briana Filippini – Cheer: Class of 2019/Marketing Major, Entrepreneurial Studies Minor/Hainesport NJ
Representing Delaware on the national stage is the highlight of our season. We are heavily involved in our community, athletics, and school, so performing at nationals is our time to show everyone what we work so hard for all year.
Delaware quickly became my home, and will forever hold a spot in my heart. The campus culture has allowed me to strive academically and professionally, while creating some of the best memories of my life with the best friends.
Being a part of the spirit squad means family. Each person is so unique but we all find a way to come together cohesively. The support we give each other is awesome and I wouldn't trade this family for the world.
We have been working non-stop to make sure we are at our peak performance level this weekend. That includes practices, team workouts, team orange theory, and team building exercises with a leadership coach. We take a lot of pride in everything that goes into being a champion.
Caila Nardone – Cheer: Class of 2019/Heath Behavior Science Major, Minors in Public Health and Disability Studies/Secane, Pa.
This opportunity is not handled lightly while representing our University. We are honored to continue to make our school, community and alumni proud year after year. At Delaware, we are ambassadors for our university and community. While standing on the nationals stage, we are thankful to have the opportunity to show the nation how proUD we are to be a part of a great support system and give back to our University.
Delaware is my home. I have learned how to adapt in new situations with different types of people and how to be selfless for those around me. Delaware may just be a place but to me it is a feeling of love, hard work, passion, and inclusion. This is a feeling that I will never forget.
Being apart of the University of Delaware spirit squad has given me the confidence in life that I needed. I have been given opportunities through this program that I never could have imagined and I am grateful to have those experiences. Everyday I feel honored to represent the spirit squad, not only for myself and my teammates but for our alumni who have worked incredibly hard to build up this prestige program. Our program has taught me trust, loyalty, how to work hard, be passionate, and to never give up. Delaware cheerleading has filled my life with amazing memories and people that will stay close to my heart forever.
YoUDee - Newark, DE (don't know about class or major)
It is a great honor to represent the school in front of so many excited fans. It was always a dream of mine to represent my hometown; which I get to do everyday.
I enjoy spending so much time with all of my friends on the cheer and dance teams. I am approaching this weekend with a positive mindset and tons of HENergy!
The University of Delaware's spirit squads have an incredible tradition that includes numerous national championships and years and years of being tremendous Blue Hen ambassadors.
This weekend, those groups have their chance to put their hard work on display for the nation at UCA and UDA National Championships in Orlando, Fla.
Prior to heading south, BlueHens.com sat down with some members to talk about their experiences.
Amanda Scerbo – Dance Team: Class of 2019/Fashion Merchandising /Oakland, NJ
It is truly an honor to represent Delaware on the national stage because of the history of success the school and spirit program has had over the years. To be able to add to and grow that legacy each year makes me extremely proud.
Delaware is incredibly special to me because it has given me a place that I can happily call a second home. It is a state that I am proud to represent and know that I have "Blue Hens" everywhere to count on for support!
Over the past four years, I was fortunate enough to experience such a unique journey while being a part of the spirit squad. It has meant the world to me to be involved in such a supportive program that has allowed me to participate in unforgettable events and endless opportunities to succeed. I was able to form close bonds with people on both the cheer team and the mascot team, as well as friendships with many other athletes at the school.
With any competitive event, confidence is key. For us, when approaching a National Championship weekend, we really focus on staying present in each moment. Our entire journey of ups and downs has lead us to this very important weekend, so we do not take it for granted. There is a great deal of mental preparation that we go through up until we perform, but our greatest approach is to continue exhibiting our sense of unity and togetherness.
Dominique Kulikowski – Dance Team: /Class of 2019/ Apparel Design/ Williamstown, NJ
It's more than just an honor, it's a privilege to represent the University of Delaware on the national stage. Walking out, hearing our parents, the cheer team, mascots chanting "We are Delaware" and knowing that numerous alums are watching behind the screen, encourages one another to make our school proud and to show everyone what Delaware is truly made of.
The school spirit is so impactful as well as the memories. Being a part of this team has allowed me to become unified within the school. By dancing at football, volleyball and basketball games, I'm able to create memories everywhere with everyone.
Being on the team for four years, allowed me to realize how fortunate I was to dance with girls who shared that common vision and passion as I did on a collegiate level. The family bond that has been created, established and grown over the years has impacted my life greatly as a dancer and as a person. Those girls on that team mean the world to me and so much more.
We are a humble yet confident group. When we set our minds on our goal, we fight every inch as a team for it and that's exactly what we are preparing to do in and out of practice until we compete. We all remain calm and rely on each other to believe that we are capable and talented to bring the competition to the next level.
Briana Filippini – Cheer: Class of 2019/Marketing Major, Entrepreneurial Studies Minor/Hainesport NJ
Representing Delaware on the national stage is the highlight of our season. We are heavily involved in our community, athletics, and school, so performing at nationals is our time to show everyone what we work so hard for all year.
Delaware quickly became my home, and will forever hold a spot in my heart. The campus culture has allowed me to strive academically and professionally, while creating some of the best memories of my life with the best friends.
Being a part of the spirit squad means family. Each person is so unique but we all find a way to come together cohesively. The support we give each other is awesome and I wouldn't trade this family for the world.
We have been working non-stop to make sure we are at our peak performance level this weekend. That includes practices, team workouts, team orange theory, and team building exercises with a leadership coach. We take a lot of pride in everything that goes into being a champion.
Caila Nardone – Cheer: Class of 2019/Heath Behavior Science Major, Minors in Public Health and Disability Studies/Secane, Pa.
This opportunity is not handled lightly while representing our University. We are honored to continue to make our school, community and alumni proud year after year. At Delaware, we are ambassadors for our university and community. While standing on the nationals stage, we are thankful to have the opportunity to show the nation how proUD we are to be a part of a great support system and give back to our University.
Delaware is my home. I have learned how to adapt in new situations with different types of people and how to be selfless for those around me. Delaware may just be a place but to me it is a feeling of love, hard work, passion, and inclusion. This is a feeling that I will never forget.
Being apart of the University of Delaware spirit squad has given me the confidence in life that I needed. I have been given opportunities through this program that I never could have imagined and I am grateful to have those experiences. Everyday I feel honored to represent the spirit squad, not only for myself and my teammates but for our alumni who have worked incredibly hard to build up this prestige program. Our program has taught me trust, loyalty, how to work hard, be passionate, and to never give up. Delaware cheerleading has filled my life with amazing memories and people that will stay close to my heart forever.
YoUDee - Newark, DE (don't know about class or major)
It is a great honor to represent the school in front of so many excited fans. It was always a dream of mine to represent my hometown; which I get to do everyday.
I enjoy spending so much time with all of my friends on the cheer and dance teams. I am approaching this weekend with a positive mindset and tons of HENergy!
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