(Image via instagram.com) 

Volunteer Writer: Riana Jean-Louis

Email: rjeanlouis1@umassd.edu

The UMass Dartmouth cheer squad is getting ready to compete in the National Cheerleaders Association (NCA) Championship, which is set to take place in Daytona Beach, Florida, from April 10–13, 2024.

Top teams from all across the nation—over 470 in total—compete for the national crown in one of the most famous college cheering competitions. 

The Corsairs are now focused on capturing the Division III National Championship following a good season in which they finished third in April 2023. The club’s potential excites coach Fransico Dambrosio, particularly in light of the new talent on the roster. 

“This season, we have a lot of new faces, so as a coach, I’m trying to figure out their abilities so I can build the strongest roster for NCA,” said Dambrosio. 

The squad’s drive and determination are what set them apart this year. 

“The biggest difference with this team is how eager and determined they are for success. Every team I’ve had at UMD has been motivated, but these athletes have something special. There are nights they stay twenty minutes after practice to get more tumble reps in, just to better themselves for the team,” he added. 

“Leading the team back to NCA gives me such a rewarding feeling,” said co-captain Jasmine Martins, who, along with her co-captain Aleesha Jordan, has been part of the team since their freshman year in 2021. “Knowing what this team has done and is capable of achieving pushes me to work harder as their captain and strive for the determination of winning.” 

The team’s mindset is stronger than ever as they head into the upcoming season. 

“We’re going into this season with more confidence and motivation, ready to bring home the trophy we deserve,” Martins added. The camaraderie between the athletes is key to their success. 

“We all have to trust each other when performing skills and routines while balancing school and our outside lives,” said Jordan, who has also been with the team since 2021, just like Coach Dambrosio. 

Fundraising has been an ongoing effort for the cheer squad throughout the season. 

“We’ve raised money at restaurants, held raffles and calendar prizes, and even received donations from UMD alumni,” explained Jordan. “Our biggest supporter has been Lauren Empey, the assistant director of Club and Intramural Sports, who has shown so much drive to get Corsair Cheer the recognition we deserve.” 

Each cheerleader is responsible for individually raising about $1,700 to cover their trip costs.

Team fundraising efforts, including raffles, restaurant events, and donations, help pay for uniforms, mats, and other essential items. The UMass Dartmouth community is being asked to contribute financially to the team to aid with necessary costs, including travel and registration fees. 

Despite the logistical challenges, such as limited gym space, the Corsairs remain committed to their goals. 

“Cheerleading is a perfection-based sport that requires you to give it 100% every time,” said Dambrosio. “You have to push through even when you think you have nothing left.” 

As captain, Martins has learned valuable lessons in leadership. 

“A key takeaway from being captain has been accountability and creating a comfortable and fun space for everyone on the team. We want everyone to feel safe and supported while also pushing them to progress and succeed,” she said. “For NCA, I hope we stay confident in our abilities and show everyone what Corsair Cheer can accomplish.” 

The UMD cheer squad is one of the few nationally ranked teams at the school, and athletes are increasingly choosing UMass Dartmouth for its cheer program. 

“My goal as the coach is to keep building this program bigger and better each year to bring recognition to the school,” Dambrosio shared. 

Visit the Corsair Crowdfunding website or contact co-captain Jasmine Martins at jmartins13@umassd.edu for further information on the crowdfunding initiative.