For Molloy University’s Dance Team and Cheer Team, stepping onto the floor at UDA/UCA Nationals in Orlando, Florida was more than just a performance; it was the culmination of months of discipline, belief in one another, and a true love for the sport. Surrounded by some of the nation’s top collegiate programs, Molloy’s student athletes carried with them not only their routines they had perfected over time, but also their pride in representing Molloy on one of the biggest stages in dance/cheer history.
Hosted annually by the Universal Dance Association (UDA) and Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA), the event brings together elite collegiate teams from across the country. Caitlin Donach, head coach of the cheer team, describes it as “the Super Bowl of cheerleading and dance,” a moment that represents multiple years of practice. For Donach, this season marked a milestone 13 years in the making, as Molloy Cheer made its first-ever appearance at nationals.
“Words cannot fully describe the pride, happiness, and honor it is to represent Molloy on this stage,” Donach said. “After years of alumni paving the way, we made it.”
The dance team arrived at the competition with its own story of perseverance. Preparation began months earlier in August, when choreographers first set routines and athletes began refining every detail, down to precise angles and formation spacing. Dance head coach Danielle Multari emphasized that their journey is about far more than just competition results. “It represents countless hours of preparation, growth, resilience, and trust,” she said. “Competing at UDA is about building character, fostering excellence, and creating memories and bonds that last far beyond the competition floor.”
Behind the performances were students balancing rigorous academic schedules, fundraising efforts, and demanding practice hours. Both teams operate as club sports, meaning athletes take on significant responsibility to help fund their seasons. Despite the challenges, the teams leaned into a shared sense of purpose rooted in teamwork and passion for their craft.
For the dancers, a trip to nationals represented a dream years in the making. Many described the experience as a “bucket list” moment, one that allowed them to finally showcase routines that had been practiced hundreds of times behind closed doors. Backstage, emotions ranged from nerves to gratitude, but the bonds between teammates kept them grounded. “The team isn’t just a team — it’s a family,” one dancer shared, reflecting on the memories created along the way.
That same sense of connection defined the cheer team’s journey, especially as they prepared to compete at the highest level in program history. Graduate student Sharon Oosterwijk described how the team relied on “mat talk” — words of encouragement fueled by intensity and belief — to push through the most demanding practices. “Mat talk keeps the energy up and generates a positive, uplifting atmosphere,” she said. “It reminds you what you’re working toward and that your teammates believe in you.”
Senior Angelina Morici echoed that sentiment, calling the experience both emotional and surreal during
her final season with the program. “Representing Molloy on a national stage was an unreal experience that filled me with so much joy,” she said. “Wearing our name and competing against teams from all over made all the hard work feel worth it.”
For many athletes, the season itself became a transformational journey. Oosterwijk reflected on how the team evolved over time, growing not only in skill but also in mindset. “We transformed from individual athletes into a team that took the UCA mat by storm,” she said. “Every challenge strengthened our bond and our motivation to put out a routine we were proud of.”
Coaches from both programs emphasized that the growth they witnessed extended beyond the mat. Multari noted that her dancers developed confidence, leadership, and resilience throughout the season, while Donach highlighted the dedication it takes to balance personal responsibilities with the demands of a competitive team. “They show up no matter what is happening in their lives and give it their all for the love of the sport,” Donach said.
As the teams returned to campus, the pride of competing on such an important stage was matched only by the lessons learned along the way, including perseverance through injuries and exams, trust in teammates, and the courage to chase their ambitious goals. Multari hopes the Molloy community recognizes the commitment behind every performance. “These are students who work tirelessly behind the scenes while balancing a college education,” she said.
Whether fulfilling a lifelong dream or making history for the first time, Molloy’s dance and cheer athletes demonstrated what it means to lead with heart, dedication, and unity, while proving that the journey to nationals is just as meaningful as the moment they first step onto the stage.