Cheerleading team returns to national stage

Eastern's cheerleading club traveled to Daytona Beach, FL, to compete in the National Cheerleading Association (NCA) and National Dance Association (NDA) College Nationals tournament on April 10 and 11. The team competed in the D3 Intermediate Co-Ed division.

The team is part of the USA Cheer organization rather than the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) and competes in Division 3 because Eastern's basketball programs play NCAA Division 3.

Swartzel is a four-year member of the team and has represented Eastern at nationals each year. "It is such a sentimental moment to be able to look back and see just how far I have grown through this program," she said.

"This team has truly become my family, and I couldn't have asked for a better group of people to work with and lead. We worked so hard this year, and it all pays off being able to put out a routine you are proud of. I will always have a special place in my heart for Eastern Cheer."

Graduate student Kylie Vermilya found a new passion on Eastern's cheerleading team. "I didn't have the chance to pursue cheerleading before college, so learning and growing in this sport with Eastern's name across the uniform has been truly rewarding," she said.

"As we prepared for nationals, my goal was to showcase not only the skills I've developed over the past three years but also the hard work and dedication our team has put in throughout the season."

Senior Tyler Isenberg likewise viewed performing on the national stage as a learning opportunity. "For me, being a cheerleader is fun, but it has also allowed me to learn skills and techniques I never imagined I would learn," he said.

"Because this was my first time performing for such a big competition, another goal I had was to make sure I had a smile on my face throughout the entire routine, no matter how tired or defeated I felt."