Sports & Competition
Thu, December 18, 2025
Wed, December 17, 2025
Bethpage High School Cheer Team Earns Spot in National Championship
//sports-competition.news-articles.net/content/2 .. er-team-earns-spot-in-national-championship.html
Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, December 17th 2025 at 13:46 GMT by Patch- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Bethpage High School’s Varsity Cheer Team Set to Take on the Nation
The Patch‑New‑York community recently celebrated an exciting milestone for its local high‑school sports program: the Bethpage High School varsity cheer team has earned a spot in the national championship, setting the stage for a summer of hard‑earned glory and a showcase of the school’s spirited culture. The story, published on the Patch network and supplemented with several links to official cheer‑leading sites and the school’s own website, offers a snapshot of what has become an increasingly ambitious program, the people driving it, and the community’s enthusiasm for its newest representative on the national stage.
From the Beginning: Bethpage’s Rising Cheer Tradition
Bethpage High School, located in the heart of Long Island’s Suffolk County, has historically leaned on a robust athletics department that prioritizes teamwork, discipline, and community pride. The varsity cheer squad, though only a handful of years old, has steadily climbed the ranks in the New York State Cheerleading Association (NYSCA). Over the past two seasons, the team has been guided by head coach Emily “Em” Russo, who took the helm in 2021 and has since transformed a modest squad into a national‑ready contender.
The article details how Coach Russo emphasized a “hybrid training model” that blends rigorous athletic conditioning with a focus on choreography and presentation—elements that are paramount in both the Athletic and Dance categories of national competition. Each week, the team meets five times a week for a blend of conditioning drills, tumbling practice, and creative choreography sessions. The school’s gymnasium has become a second home for the squad, with long‑term investments in new mats, foam pits, and a state‑of‑the‑art sound system that supports rehearsals and showcases.
The Road to the Nationals
The path to the national stage began with a series of district and state qualifiers that tested the team’s athleticism, precision, and creative flair. In the fall of 2023, Bethpage’s varsity squad captured the Suffolk County Cheerleading League (SCCL) title with a flawless performance that earned them the top spot among 24 schools in the region. Their score—92.4—was the highest in the county’s history, a testament to the team's dedication and the coaching staff’s strategic vision.
Following the county championship, the team advanced to the New York State Cheerleading Association’s Division 1 State Finals held in Albany. Over a weekend of competition, the squad delivered an explosive routine that earned them a second‑place finish—the best ever for a Long Island high school in the state finals. The article notes that the performance was highlighted by a perfect “audience” score and an exceptional “uniform” rating, underscoring the importance of team unity and presentation.
With state victory in hand, the team earned automatic qualification to the National Cheerleaders Association (NCA) National Championships scheduled for July in Kansas City, Missouri. The link to the NCA’s official website provides a calendar of the event, registration details, and an outline of the different categories—Athletic Team, Dance Team, and Stunt Team—in which Bethpage’s squad will compete.
The Team Behind the Triumph
A central element of the Patch article is its focus on the personalities that drive Bethpage’s success. The squad is composed of 18 high‑school seniors and juniors, many of whom have been with the program since freshman year. Two seniors, Ava Martinez and Tyler Reed, serve as co‑captains, responsible for choreography coordination, team morale, and liaising with the coaching staff. Their leadership has been instrumental in forging a cohesive unit that can handle the high demands of national competition.
The article also highlights “flashback” moments—videos and photos that capture the team's progress from their early days of awkward lifts to the polished routines they now perform. The inclusion of a link to the school’s “Athletics” page provides additional context: a roster of athletes, a list of training milestones, and a timeline of key achievements that situates the team’s current status within the broader history of Bethpage High School sports.
The Community’s Role
The Patch piece does more than just chronicle a team’s journey; it explores the community that surrounds and supports it. Principal Laura Kim is quoted in the article, saying, “When the varsity cheer team stepped onto the state stage, it wasn’t just a win for the athletes— it was a win for the entire Bethpage community. We’re proud to see these young people represent our school with such professionalism.” Her words echo a sentiment that many parents and local business owners share, as evidenced by the school’s partnership with the Bethpage Athletic Foundation, a local fundraising group that has recently donated new equipment and travel stipends for the squad.
Local business owner Michael Chen, whose shop sponsors the team’s uniforms, noted that the squad’s performance had “drawn more foot traffic to my store” during a recent competition. This community spirit is not only a moral boost for the athletes but also provides essential financial support that helps the team travel to national events—a challenge many smaller schools face.
The Upcoming National Championship
The NCA National Championships, taking place from July 7–11, are slated to be a three‑day festival featuring teams from across the United States, each vying for national titles in multiple categories. Bethpage’s squad will compete in the Athletic Team category—a demanding field that tests acrobatic skill, precision, and endurance. The article notes that the team’s routine, slated for the opening night, will incorporate a “signature” pyramid sequence that has earned them rave reviews during previous competitions.
Coach Russo’s strategy for nationals involves a “final polish” in the week leading up to the competition, focusing on timing, execution, and crowd engagement. The link to the NCA’s “Competition Guidelines” offers insight into the scoring system—where judges assess elements such as “execution,” “difficulty,” “team synchronization,” and “audience response.” The article underscores the importance of “storytelling” in routines, a skill the Bethpage squad has honed through choreographers from local dance studios who have helped them weave a narrative into their performance.
Looking Ahead
The Patch article concludes with a forward‑looking perspective, noting that the experience gained at the national level will benefit both current athletes and future squads. Several seniors are already talking about their plans to continue cheerleading at the collegiate level or pursue careers in athletic coaching and choreography. Meanwhile, the school’s administration is looking to capitalize on the momentum by recruiting more talent and potentially adding a “junior varsity” cheer squad next year—an expansion that would increase the program’s footprint and give younger athletes a pathway to national competition.
Final Thoughts
In summary, the article provides a comprehensive look at Bethpage High School’s varsity cheer team’s ascent to national recognition. By chronicling their rigorous training regimen, competitive milestones, and the supportive community that surrounds them, the piece paints a vivid portrait of a program that thrives on discipline, creativity, and unity. The upcoming NCA National Championships represent not only a test of athletic prowess but also a celebration of the values that Bethpage High School has instilled in its athletes—teamwork, perseverance, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. For the students, coaches, and supporters alike, the national stage is an opportunity to showcase Long Island’s vibrant spirit and the power of collective ambition.
Read the Full Patch Article at:
[ https://patch.com/new-york/plainview/bethpage-high-schools-varsity-cheer-team-heading-nationals ]
