Riverhead Varsity Cheer Team Headed To Nationals For 18th Year In Row

RIVERHEAD, NY— The Riverhead Girls Varsity Cheer team is headed to the Nationals — for the 18th year in a row.

The Universal Cheerleaders Association will host the UCA Cheer Nationals in Orlando from Feb. 9 through 12.

"Cheering has branched out to game day as well, with traditional routines as well as more tumbling and stunting," parent Francine Pantaleo said. "Our senior captains Bailey Godsey, Olivia Haupt and Bella Cucchi, UCA All Stars — as well as fellow All Stars and underclassmen Jaidin Hansen and Molly Parsons — all work hard as they help the newer members get ready for Nationals in Orlando in early February," she said.

A GoFundMe, "Help Riverhead Varsity get to the UCA Cheer Nationals," has also been created by Pantaleo.

"For the 18th year they have won bids to Nationals and this year is no different," she wrote. "Placing second at the regional competition this year, winning their bid to Nationals in Orlando —these amazing athletes work hard while maintaining excellent GPAs and competing locally. We need your help to fund their trip, as this is not funded by the district. Help us get them to Orlando. With your support, we can help them achieve greatness."

The girls also shared their feelings about what the team means.

"I feel the team has a very strong bond, and we grow as a team every single practice/competition we have," said Bailey. "We have grown so much from September to now, with many new members not used to the rigors of practice and prep to be ready. They we all worked hard, and we are ready to go down to nationals and hit a beautiful routine!"

Olivia added: "This team has been able to grow into a family more and more every day. We welcomed seven new athletes, and each one on this team plays a huge role in making us work. The growth that I have seen from everyone from the beginning of August is awesome. I believe we will continue to work just as hard as we finish the season, not only to perform our best routine, but to be proud of our performance."

And, said Bella: "I hope for our team this year that we continue to progress at section 11 competitions and finish off the season strong, as well as going to Florida for nationals and making it through to finals for our game day routine. I love everyone. They're all so dedicated, so I know we do have a chance to go and do well."

Coach Stephanie Piraino and Chelsea Cawley work with the team daily to prepare them for Nationals, Pantaleo said. "Their years of dedication to the team and sport are unwavering."

It takes a village, Pantaleo added. "All the parents have helped throughout the season with time, donations, and support of the team with fundraisers. We currently have a clothing drive and the GoFundMe to assist in the cost to pay for this trip, as it is not district funded."

In addition, she said, Riverhead High School is hosting a full day competition on Saturday, January 27, with four sessions to accommodate the Suffolk teams competing. The event begins at 9 a.m.

To donate to the GoFundMe, click here.