University of Delaware Athletics
Cheer Claims Sixth-Straight National Title, Dance Brings Home Third in a Row
1/23/2024 6:15:00 PM | Cheer, Dance
ORLANDO – The University of Delaware spirit program captured a pair of national titles at the 2024 Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA) and Universal Dance Association (UDA) National Championships. Cheer won its sixth-straight small coed gameday national title, while dance claimed its third division I hip hop national championship in a row.
The championships mark the 28th and 29th in program history and marks the 18th year in a row that Delaware has won at least one national title.
“Every year we talk about building upon the foundation that has been laid by our alumni,” Spirit Program Coordinator and Head Coed Cheer Coach Ryan Blanford said. “This year our spirit program student-athletes continued to do just that. Winning two more national titles brings a feeling of Blue Hen Pride that is hard to describe. These young men and women work so hard all season long and it is extremely rewarding to see all their dedication pay off. We are so thankful for the support of the University and the athletic department. Without the support we receive we would be unable to achieve at the highest level. I am excited to celebrate our accomplishments back in the 302!”
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— Delaware Blue Hens (@UDBlueHens) January 13, 2024
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— Delaware Blue Hens (@UDBlueHens) January 15, 2024
Cheer finished the semi-finals in first place with a score of 96.4333 and held steady after the finals with a 95.8, beating out Butler University with a 95.4667.
“Nationals was such an unforgettable, amazing experience with UD,” senior coed cheer team captain Joe Davis said. “We took home our sixth national championship and supported all of our programs in their successes down in Florida. I am so proud of what we accomplished and grateful to have had the opportunity to do it all for one last time.”
Dance finished the hip hop semifinals in second place with a 94.5333 behind Utah Valley’s 94.55. After some adjustments, the Hens scored a 95.2167 to jump the Wolverines 94.4667 to claim their third-straight championship.
“Winning a third time, making the second ever three-peat in hip hop was special in so many ways,” Head Dance Coach Risa Snapp said. “I am still very close with my coach, Nicole Zehnder, and our bond and connection became even deeper by having this once in a lifetime accomplishment mirrored. Each win the past three years has followed a different path, making each one unique, special, and memorable in its own way.”
YoUDee also competed in Orlando in the Open Mascot category, and nearly pulled off another national championship. With a score of 84.16, the Hens mascot team finished just behind Austin Peay State’s 85.8, for a second-place national finish.
“While we were not able to defend our championship from last year, we did learn a lot this year,” Mascot Team Head Coach and Cheer Team Assistant Coach Tony Goldston said. “We have a young YoUDee team, with this year’s championship being the first for all team members. This was a jump from our 4th place placement in qualifying. I was very proUD of how the skit came out and most importantly how well YoUDee performed their skit.”
Elsewhere on the mat and marley, dance’s jazz routine finished fifth overall, coed division I cheer took fourth, cheer’s girls ‘4’ stunt groups came in 11th and 15th, and all girl division I cheer took 10th in the semi-finals.
WHAT THE HENS ARE SAYING…
“Having the opportunity to represent the University of Delaware each year is an honor. Being able to display routines that we have worked tirelessly at for the past few months, while also showing the amount of pride I have for our school becomes the most special experience year after year. It truly takes a village to run a championship program like this, and seeing the amount of support we have around us only makes my love for this program and school grow more and more each year.”
— Jillian Jones, senior all-girl cheer captain
“This weekend consisted of Delaware showing grit, determination, and resilience. Becoming 6 time national champions was our overarching goal all season and to say we did it is truly an honor. This program is one in a million and I have been so blessed to be a part of it. I’m so proud to call myself a forever Blue Hen! Go Hens!”
— Jessica Kamalsky, senior all-girl cheer captain
“This Nationals experience has been extra special for me because it’s my senior year. Being a part of this program for the last 4 years, I have created friends and lessons in teamwork and leadership that I will take with me in my lifelong journey. Win or lose I’m honored to have been able to experience cheer with UD. We’ve had our ups and downs but we always come together to achieve excellence! I’m thankful to my family, coaches & teammates for this experience.”
— Dasia English, senior coed cheer captain
“The artistry and athleticism showcased by each dancer this weekend are a testament to the countless hours of dedication, practice, and training we commit to as a team. However, aside from the passion and grit that every dancer showcased on the nationals stage, what sets this team apart is our incredible bond as one family. Together, we gave our all on that floor, ensuring that every bit of our hard work mattered. This weekend, we fought as a team and danced from the heart, leaving each performance feeling an overwhelming sense of pride and gratitude. This weekend wouldn’t have been possible without our love for this team and for this program!”
— Rebeca Rojas, senior dance team captain
“We are a team that wears our heart on our sleeve and I’m so blessed you can see our passion and drive everytime we hit the nationals floor. Our season ended with nothing but pride and gratitude for this program.”
— Vicki Ho, senior dance team captain
“YoUDee and Baby Blue had an amazing time competing at nationals! The mascots worked hard and really came together as a team in order to make it all happen. We are extremely proud of YoUDee’s performance and props, and we are excited that Baby Blue and University of Delaware Cheerleaders brought home another game day win!”
— Sam Carella, senior mascot team captain
