Spirit Squads Finish Season Strong at 2024 Nationals Competition

The Florida Atlantic "Flygirls" dance team and co-ed cheerleading team capped off tremendous 2023-24 seasons with impressive performances at the NDA and NCA College Nationals in Daytona Beach last month.

The Owls cheer team, led by Head Coach Hector Escamilla, finished in second place in the Intermediate Small Coed D1A division. The Owls earned the ninth highest score overall among 430 teams in all divisions, and the sixth highest score in the combined Intermediate Divisions. This continues an impressive two-year run, highlighted by the Owls' National Championship at the 2023 Nationals.

"I'm so proud of this team and the consistent effort all season," said Escamilla. "With one of the largest graduating classes, and the desire to repeat our 2023 championship finish, the team worked tirelessly to accomplish our goals. Although we finished 2nd, we continue to make a statement at the NCA College Championship and represent Florida Atlantic. Thank you to our graduating seniors. I am looking forward to meeting our new team and to continue Winning in Paradise."

The FAU Flygirls, led by Head Coach Claudia Soto, placed eighth in Team Performance Division 1A. The competition was highlighted by their finals appearance and a sixth-place finish in the Hip Hop Division 1A.

"This past season for us was about emphasizing the team culture and recreating that authentic work ethic," said Soto. "We are excited for the new talent we have for next season, and we plan to continue emphasizing all the growth we have seen, continue to raise the bar and represent Florida Atlantic."

Dance Team: the following student-athletes were awarded individual dance team achievements: 2023-24 Dance

Veteran of the Year – Addy Goguen
Rookie of the Year – Charlotte Dill
Leadership Award – Rebekah Campbell
Game Day Dancer of the Year – Arianna Waldron
Most "Owlstanding" - Sara Faulkenberry and Courtney Colletti
Most Valuable Dancer – Mia June
Most Improved – Izzy Currey
The Flygirls thank their graduating seniors for their impact on the program: Jenna Spina, Elizabeth George, Caroline Ferris, Jenna Remian, Rebekah Campbell and Julia Bye.

Cheer Team: the following student-athletes were awarded individual cheer team achievements: 2023-24 Cheer

Veteran of the Year – Meredith Lauther
Rookie of the Year – Matthew Davis
Leadership Award – Peter Sinoyannis
Game Day Cheerleader of the Year – Emma Morris
Most "Owlstanding" - Alexis Burns
MVP (Most Versatile) Cheerleader – Karly Ruskin
Most Improved – Trista Haynes and Lucas Devin

The Cheer team thanks its graduating Senior class for their efforts and achievements through the years: Gianna Santoro, Jessica Tabor, Lauren Linenberger, Ella Sanchez, Gianna Kohn, Isabella Ruggieri, Lanna Tardif, Makenna Cooney and Taylor Pitt.

The Florida Atlantic Spirit Squads turn the page to the 2024-25 seasons. Both teams participate in numerous community events over the course of the year as well as every football and basketball game day. For the latest on both teams, be sure to follow them on Instagram: @FAUFlygirls and @FAUCheer.

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