The Wardlaw+Hartridge varsity cheerleaders bonded, improved their techniques, gained confidence and made memories during a four-day experience at the Pine Forest Cheerleading Camp in Honesdale, PA.
Coaches Tanda Tucker and Tamica Van Dunk accompanied 24 W+H cheerleaders on the trip. Participants included senior captains Kayla Le ’25, Jini Looney ’25, Hope Nasulme ’25 and Giselle Rodriguez ’25 and fellow seniors Nia Clark ’25, Kamila Franco ’25, Savanna Lopez ’25 and Liany Maldonado ’25, juniors Nijiany Genao ’26, Sienna Lopez ’26, Elyssa Ortega ’26, Giannalise Rodriguez ’26, Nitya Sahni ’26 and Sydney Thompson ’26, sophomores Avneet Cheema ’27, Rewa Gandhi ’27, Manat Grewal ’27, Carly Jones ’27, Deanna Nicholls ’27, Jayda Richter ’27 and Saadia St. Victor ’27, and freshmen Madalyn Cortese ’28, Ellie Szczubelek ’28 and Anna Zhang ’28.
“Cheer camp is a place that fosters team unity, refines our technique, and creates lasting memories. The individualized private coaching from UCA staff, stunt workshops, and choreography sessions have significantly improved our skills. Beyond the physical training, cheer camp builds our confidence and instills discipline. The hard work and dedication put into cheer camp provide a foundation of skills that will help us perform at our best level for the upcoming season,” said Kayla, a three-year captain.
Four W+H cheerleaders earned the prestigious All-American distinction. Congratulations to senior Nia Clark ’25, juniors Giannalise Rodriguez ’26 and Nitya Sahni ’26 and sophomore Saadia St. Victor ’27.
The UCA All-American Cheer award is earned by athletes who demonstrate exceptional skills and talent in the sport of cheerleading. Tryouts are required and consist of jumps, a cheer and choreographed dance routine. Being an All-American Cheerleader opens the door for athletes to join competitive cheer squads and potentially earn college scholarships.
Coach Van Dunk offered an interesting perspective on the camp. She recalled the wonderful experiences she enjoyed at these camps during her cheer days and loved it every bit as much as a coach.
“During high school and college I attended UCA cheer camps as an athlete, so I was already prepared for the professionalism, creativity, support and camaraderie that would surround the squad during our time there,” Coach Van Dunk said. “Attending as a coach provided valuable spirit raising, safety and skill building knowledge that I am excited to bring to the W+H program this season and beyond. Overall, it was an invaluable time of growth and bonding for the girls, Coach Tucker and me."