UPDATE: In an exhilarating display of resilience, Notre Dame Academy (NDA) cheerleaders have clinched a spot in the Nationals after a dramatic performance at the UCA Northeast Regionals in Trenton, N.J.. Despite facing a major setback due to an injury during their routine, NDA not only recovered but also secured a first-place victory in the Small Varsity II category.
The competition took an intense turn when a flyer fell during NDA’s Medium Game-Day II routine, prompting a brief halt as medical staff evaluated the cheerleader. Fortunately, she was cleared to compete, and NDA regrouped to perform again. After a tense wait of nearly an hour, they delivered a stellar performance that resulted in a score of 88 points and a fourth-place finish in the Game-Day category, earning their bid to the prestigious Nationals at Walt Disney World.
NDA’s coaches expressed immense pride in their team’s ability to overcome adversity. “We knew we were going back on again, so we told them to just block everything else out and hit [the routine] harder,” said Coach Andréa Vindigni. The squad’s determination was palpable, as they fought through the routine with energy and focus.
Following their Game-Day performance, NDA hit their traditional routine for the first time this season, achieving a score of 85.4 points. “They did an amazing job with switching their mindset and trusting each other,” remarked Coach Danielle Vindigni. The Gators not only outperformed eight other teams in their division but also secured their second regional first-place title, a monumental achievement.
In addition to NDA, other Staten Island teams also made headlines. St. Joseph by-the-Sea celebrated a second-place finish in Large Varsity I, earning a Nationals bid with a raw score of 76.8 and a final score of 72.05 after deductions. “We’re so proud of how far they’ve come in such a short period of time,” said their coach, Kim Kukal.
Meanwhile, St. Joseph Hill Academy achieved a sixth-place finish in Small Varsity II with a raw score of 78.1, securing their ticket to Florida as well. Coach Kai Bingham highlighted the importance of crowd energy in their performance, saying, “We thrive off hearing the crowd scream our words… it really gives the girls the energy to make it through the routine.”
Moore Catholic also competed, finishing eighth in the Small Varsity II category. They will have another chance to qualify for Nationals at the upcoming Keystone Regional on December 7, 2023.
The emotional journey of the NDA cheerleaders exemplifies the spirit of sportsmanship, perseverance, and teamwork. As they prepare for the Nationals, the Staten Island cheer community stands united, eager to see how their teams will shine on the national stage.
Stay tuned as we continue to follow these inspiring athletes on their road to Disney!
