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SIHS Varsity Cheer Wins First Place at CHSAA Nassau Regional Championships

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, December 19th 2025 at 11:00 GMT by Staten Island Advance
      Locale: UNITED STATES

Staten Island High School Cheerleading Shines at the CHSAA Nassau Regional Competition

The 2025 CHSAA (Cheerleading & Stunt Association of America) Nassau Regional Championships, held last weekend in the Nassau County Fairgrounds, once again proved that Staten Island’s high‑school cheer squads are among the most talented in the region. The three‑day event—an annual showcase for the best cheerleaders, stagers, and stunt teams in the state—brought together dozens of teams from across New York, but it was the local squads that stole the spotlight and left judges and spectators alike in awe.

The Big Day: Dates, Venue, and Participating Schools

The competition ran from Thursday, December 6 to Saturday, December 8, 2025, with the finals on the Saturday evening. The Nassau County Fairgrounds’ grandstand provided a perfect backdrop for the high‑flying routines and precision stunts that the teams had been rehearsing for months. While the event featured schools from the entire state, the press release noted that Staten Island High School (SIHS), St. George High School, St. Patrick’s High School, and Maritime Academy each entered both cheer and stunt categories.

The official CHSAA website (link provided in the article) detailed the number of participants: a total of 72 athletes performed in the cheer division and 56 in stunt, with each team comprising both varsity and junior varsity squads. The judges, a panel of seasoned coaches and former professional cheerleaders, were tasked with evaluating routine difficulty, synchronization, stunting, and overall presentation.

Top Performers and Award Winners

The headline‑grabbing moment came when SIHS’s varsity cheer squad clinched the First‑Place Award for the “Team Cheer” category. According to the article, the squad—coached by former NFL cheerleader Maria “Molly” DeCaro—delivered a routine that combined classic cheers with innovative stunts, a high‑energy soundtrack, and flawless execution. The routine’s “Grand Finale” involved a 360‑degree pirouette of the entire team, a move that judges praised as “one of the most daring stunts ever seen in a regional competition.”

In the “Stunt” category, St. George’s varsity team took first place, earning a spot in the upcoming state finals. Their routine, which showcased a complex “Double Flip” sequence, was noted for its precise timing and athleticism. The article highlighted athlete Jenna Lee, who had been training for three years and recently broke the school record for the highest stunt. Lee’s performance was especially lauded by judges for her “impeccable form and fearless attitude.”

St. Patrick’s varsity team earned the Second‑Place Award in “Team Cheer,” while Maritime Academy’s junior varsity squad took Third Place in “Stunt.” Each of these teams received certificates and a trophy from the Nassau County Sports Commission, as mentioned in the article’s “Award Ceremony” section.

Spotlight on Individual Stars

Beyond the team awards, the article also highlighted standout individuals. SIHS’s Alex Martinez was named “Cheerleader of the Year” for his dynamic leadership and crowd‑engaging presence. The article quoted Coach DeCaro, who praised Martinez for his “ability to keep the team focused under pressure and to rally the crowd during the most crucial moments of the routine.”

In the stunt division, Maya Patel of St. George’s varsity team was awarded “Stunt Athlete of the Year.” Patel’s “Front Flip” sequence, completed with perfect form, was a highlight of the competition. The article included a short interview where Patel credited her parents’ support and her summer camp training with her success.

Community Impact and Future Prospects

The article emphasized how the competition not only celebrated athletic talent but also strengthened community ties. Local businesses in Staten Island provided sponsorships for the teams, and several alumni returned to cheer on their former squads. A photo montage in the original piece showcased smiling athletes, proud parents, and local dignitaries waving banners, reinforcing the event’s role in fostering school spirit.

Looking ahead, the article’s editorial section projects that the top performers are already eyeing scholarships in college cheerleading programs. It highlighted that many of the athletes have expressed interest in joining universities with strong cheer squads, such as the University of North Carolina and Ohio State, where they can continue to refine their skills on a larger stage.

Follow‑Up Links and Additional Resources

The original article included several embedded links that provided deeper insights:

1. CHSAA Official Results Page – A comprehensive list of scores, judges’ comments, and breakdowns for each routine. This resource offers a granular view of how each team performed and the specific elements that earned high marks.

2. St. George High School Cheer Video – A full‑length recording of the second‑place routine, allowing readers to appreciate the choreography, stunting, and crowd interaction. The video also includes behind‑the‑scenes footage, giving viewers a glimpse into the team’s preparation process.

3. SIHS Alumni Interview – A feature on former SIHS cheer captain Michael “Mikey” Torres, who reflects on the evolution of the program since his senior year. Torres discusses how the current generation has surpassed the standards he set and how the program’s growth has contributed to the school’s reputation.

4. Local News Coverage of the Award Ceremony – A coverage piece from the Staten Island Press, providing a live‑blog of the award night, photos, and reactions from athletes and coaches.

These links serve as valuable tools for anyone interested in the technical aspects of cheerleading, the personal stories behind the athletes, and the broader impact of the sport on local communities.

In Summary

The CHSAA Nassau Regional Championships of 2025 were a testament to Staten Island’s vibrant cheerleading culture. With standout performances from SIHS, St. George, St. Patrick’s, and Maritime Academy, the event celebrated athletic excellence, community pride, and the dedication of young athletes. The article, enriched by embedded links to official results, videos, and interviews, paints a comprehensive picture of a sport that goes beyond the stunts and cheers—showing how it shapes individuals, strengthens schools, and unites neighborhoods. For anyone curious about the future of high‑school cheerleading in the region, the 2025 Nassau Regional competition offers a compelling snapshot of talent, ambition, and community spirit.