7 Shocking Facts About The Coastal Carolina University Cheerleading Squad's 2025-2026 Season And National Success
The Coastal Carolina University (CCU) Cheerleading program is currently riding a wave of success, blending elite athletic performance with outstanding academic achievement as the 2025-2026 season approaches. As of December 22, 2025, the Chanticleers' Spirit Squads are not only dominating on the sidelines, supporting the university's Division I athletic teams, but they are also cementing their status as national competitors with recent top finishes.
The program, which operates under the Coastal Carolina Athletics department, has seen significant momentum, highlighted by impressive placements at major national competitions and a commitment to maintaining high academic standards among its student-athletes. This article dives deep into the most current and compelling facts about the CCU Cheerleading team, from their coaching staff and roster to their rigorous tryout process and competitive achievements.
The New Era of CCU Cheerleading: Roster and Coaching Staff for 2025-2026
The foundation of any successful collegiate cheer program lies in its leadership and the talent of its athletes. For the 2025-2026 season, the Coastal Carolina University Cheerleading roster reflects a strong mix of returning veterans and promising newcomers, all dedicated to the Chanticleer spirit.
Meet the 2025-2026 Chanticleer Squad
The official 2025-2026 Cheerleading Roster for the Coastal Carolina University Chanticleers features a diverse group of student-athletes. These individuals are responsible for energizing crowds at Brooks Stadium for football games and the TD Sports Complex for basketball and other events. Notable members on the roster for this exciting season include:
- Isabella Garcia (Junior)
- Riley Grindo (Junior)
- Isabella Joseforsky (Freshman)
- Ryan Leonard (Junior)
- Bailey Lyons (Sophomore)
- Jordan Martin (Sophomore)
- Sydney Martins (Junior)
- Khyla (Name incomplete in snippet)
- Allison Altman (Mentioned on 2024-2025 Roster)
The team is not just about stunting and tumbling; the Coastal Carolina Cheerleading program emphasizes the student aspect of the student-athlete experience. The Chanticleers have consistently demonstrated their commitment to academic excellence, with the athletic department proudly announcing the continuation of high academic performance into the Fall 2025 semester.
Leadership Under Head Coach Jenna Shapiro
Guiding this talented squad is Head Cheer Coach Jenna Shapiro. Coach Shapiro plays a crucial role in managing the team, coordinating performances, and overseeing the intense tryout process. Her leadership is central to maintaining the program's competitive edge and its positive image within the university community.
It is worth noting the program's history of seeking top-tier talent in its coaching staff. David Almeida, a former NCA national and Grand Collegiate champion, was previously named the head cheerleading coach, bringing a wealth of experience from his time at Jacksonville State University. This history underscores CCU's commitment to recruiting coaches with a strong background in competitive cheerleading.
Dominating the Mat: Recent National Championship Success
The CCU Cheerleading team is not merely a spirit squad; they are a formidable competitive force on the national stage. Their dedication to precision and high-level difficulty has resulted in significant recent achievements at major competitions.
Fact 1: Top Three in Two Classes at Nationals
One of the most impressive recent accomplishments for the Coastal Cheer Team was their finish in the Top Three in Two Classes at the National Championships. This dual success demonstrates the depth and versatility of the program, proving they can compete at an elite level across different divisions or categories of collegiate cheerleading.
These national competitions often take place in Daytona, Florida, at the prestigious NCA College Nationals, where the best college cheer teams in the country gather to compete. The Chanticleers' consistent presence and strong placements solidify their reputation as one of the premier spirit programs in the nation.
Fact 2: The Spirit Squads Showcase
To prepare for these high-stakes events, the CCU Spirit Squads—which include the cheer team, the CCU Dance Team, and the mascot Chauncey—regularly hold showcases. These events allow the teams to perform their routines for a home crowd before traveling to the national stage. For instance, a Spirit Squads Showcase was held on April 8th, giving fans a preview of the championship routines.
Inside the Tryout Process: What It Takes to Be a Chanticleer Cheerleader
Becoming a member of the Coastal Carolina University Cheerleading program is a highly competitive process that requires exceptional talent, commitment, and a strong academic record. The program is selective, aiming for a specific number of members each season to ensure optimal performance and team cohesion.
Fact 3: A Highly Selective 35-Member Program
The Coastal Carolina Cheerleading program for the 2024-2025 season was designed to consist of 35 members. This relatively small number indicates a high level of selectivity, ensuring that every athlete on the team is a top performer capable of contributing to the squad's competitive goals and gameday responsibilities.
Fact 4: The Shift to Virtual Tryouts
In a major shift for the 2024-2025 season, tryouts were not held in person. Instead, all prospective student-athletes were required to submit their materials to Coach Jenna Shapiro via video submission. This modern approach allows the program to evaluate talent from a wider geographical area and focuses heavily on the execution of specific skills, including tumbling, stunting, and overall performance quality.
The tryout application typically requires detailed documentation and demonstration of skills, ensuring that only the most prepared athletes move forward in the selection process.
Fact 5: Navigating External Commitments
The CCU program maintains clear guidelines regarding external cheerleading commitments. Athletes who choose to participate with an All-star team must adhere to specific rules set by the university's program. This ensures that the focus remains on the Chanticleer team's schedule and commitment level, which is necessary for a Division I collegiate program.
Program Integrity and Future Outlook
The Coastal Carolina University Cheerleading program places a high value on integrity and a positive team environment. Like any high-profile collegiate team, they occasionally face external scrutiny, but the university is committed to transparency and due process.
Fact 6: Investigation Closed with No Further Action
In a recent news update, Coastal Carolina University announced that an investigation into the cheerleading team had concluded, and “no further action is being taken by the university”. This decisive closure confirms the program's commitment to resolving internal matters swiftly and allows the team to focus entirely on their athletic and academic goals for the upcoming seasons.
Fact 7: Scholarship Opportunities Exist
For prospective student-athletes, the Coastal Carolina University Cheerleading program offers athletic scholarship opportunities. While the specific amounts and availability vary, the existence of scholarships underscores the university's recognition of cheerleading as a legitimate and valuable collegiate sport, attracting top talent to the Myrtle Beach campus. Securing one of these scholarships is a significant achievement and a testament to an athlete's skill and academic standing.
The Coastal Carolina University Cheerleading squad, the Chanticleers, is clearly a program on the rise. With a talented 2025-2026 roster, the steady leadership of Coach Jenna Shapiro, and a track record of Top Three national finishes, the team is set to deliver another season of high-flying stunts and spirited performances. The combination of competitive success, academic dedication, and a modern, rigorous tryout process ensures the CCu Cheerleading legacy continues to grow and inspire the entire university community.
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