DePaul University Athletics

Cheer earns Top 10 finish at NCA Nationals
4/16/2024 4:07:00 PM | CHEER
DePaul Cheer returned from Daytona Beach with a top 10 finish at NCA Collegiate Nationals.Â
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The Blue Demons participated in the Intermediate Division I Small Coed category, a change from their 2023 nationals appearance in the all-girl competition.Â
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The team scored a 91.13 with no deductions in the final round, placing 10th overall.  North Carolina A&T State University claimed the national title with a score of 97.6, followed by Stephen F Austin State University and Central Arkansas.
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The 2024 Championships were the largest in NCA's history, with more than 570 teams participating across 60 divisions.Â
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Fifteen cheerleaders comprised DePaul's team, including returners (Gwen Halik,  Jamya Whitman,  Abby Bujdos,  Alison Ing-Hanes,  Caitlin Kendrick, Daniella Ortiz,Emily Santos, and Sara Schubach).  They were joined by Kennedy Aurigemma, Leonardo Diaz Gomez, Benjamin Felix, Yuliana Garzon, Kayleen Iniguez, Kaden Jackson, Elliott Pelter and Victoria Rueda, who all made their first appearance at NCA Nationals.
The Blue Demons are coached by Spirit Director Shanon Lersch and Cheer Coach Francine Dilay.Â
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The Blue Demons participated in the Intermediate Division I Small Coed category, a change from their 2023 nationals appearance in the all-girl competition.Â
Â
The team scored a 91.13 with no deductions in the final round, placing 10th overall.  North Carolina A&T State University claimed the national title with a score of 97.6, followed by Stephen F Austin State University and Central Arkansas.
Â
The 2024 Championships were the largest in NCA's history, with more than 570 teams participating across 60 divisions.Â
Â
Fifteen cheerleaders comprised DePaul's team, including returners (Gwen Halik,  Jamya Whitman,  Abby Bujdos,  Alison Ing-Hanes,  Caitlin Kendrick, Daniella Ortiz,Emily Santos, and Sara Schubach).  They were joined by Kennedy Aurigemma, Leonardo Diaz Gomez, Benjamin Felix, Yuliana Garzon, Kayleen Iniguez, Kaden Jackson, Elliott Pelter and Victoria Rueda, who all made their first appearance at NCA Nationals.
The Blue Demons are coached by Spirit Director Shanon Lersch and Cheer Coach Francine Dilay.Â
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Players Mentioned
Jill M. Pizzotti BIG EAST Media Day Interview
Wednesday, October 22
Meg Newman BIG EAST Media Day Interview
Wednesday, October 22
DePaul Men's Basketball vs. Loyola Chicago Press Conference
Monday, October 20
Preseason Media Availability - Head Coach Chris Holtmann
Friday, October 17















