After the second year competing together at the 2025 College Classic National Championship, the Grand Valley Laker Dance and Cheer teams are returning with several new national titles.
“While the performances themselves were memorable, what stood out most was the journey that led us there,” said Emma Desiderio, head dance coach and spirit program manager. “The commitment, resilience and heart these athletes have shown all season long were on full display, and it was truly inspiring to witness.”
The Laker Dance Team, led by Desiderio and assistant coach Sophia Mervenne, brought home the titles of DII Hip Hop and Jazz Champions and Hip Hop battle winners.
The GVSU Cheer Team, a co-ed team led by interim head coach Moriah Sweet and assistant coaches Justina Marks and Joseph Allen, brought home several titles: Small CoEd Champions, Cheer Partner Stunt and CoEd Group Champions and Cheer Pyramid and Tumble Rumble competition winners.
In a collaborative routine, the teams performed alongside one another to claim the title of Super Spirit Showdown Champions and the Spirit Program Award.
Desiderio said both groups have been preparing since January. “Our entire coaching staff has been beaming with pride, not only for how our athletes performed on the nationals stage, but for how they supported one another throughout the season,” she said. “The culture they’ve created is rooted in trust, effort and genuine care for one another, which is something we value just as much as the competitive accomplishments.”
Watch their Super Spirit Showdown performance:
