Sachem Sports Club Cheerleaders Take 2nd Place At National Champs

SACHEM, NY — Sachem cheerleaders took to a national stage this weekend, and came out on top: Two teams from the Sachem Sports Club (SSC) Youth Rec league took second place overall in the UCA National High School Championships in Florida last weekend.

The 10-year-old Cheer Team and the Junior Rec 12 Team, made up of 27 elementary and 25 middle schoolers in Sachem, were competing in their first-ever national championships

"They began this memorable season in July when their coaches and coordinator decided to take a leap of faith during the pandemic. They had no idea if there would be a season on Long Island and the thought of taking yet another year off while not getting to compete for the second year in a row was a devastating blow," Jamie D'Andrea told Patch.

D'Andrea teaches fifth grade at Wenonah Elementary School and coaches cheerleading.

"We are all on cloud nine and so happy to share such an incredible journey with our community and leaders in district who are role models to them," she added.

On Saturday the ten-year-old team "cheered their hearts out," D'Andrea said, and took second place in their divison.

On Sunday, the 12-year-olds followed suit and nabbed second place overall as well.

"The two trophies SSC brought home this weekend to Long Island symbolize more than just second place but the idea that when you dream big and work hard nothing can ever stop you from achieving greatness," D'Andrea reflected.

"Having been together since they were five years old, these athletes' bonds are unbreakable. This season has been a rollercoaster of emotions with quarantines happening every week and constant routine changes because of this. The athleticism, passion and determination they have put into this moment is a skill that will carry them through all aspects of their lives."