The 7 Secrets Behind Colorado State University Cheerleading’s 2024-2025 Season Success
Contents
The Leadership and Legacy: CSU Cheerleading Coaching Staff
The stability and success of the Colorado State University Spirit Squads are anchored by a veteran coaching staff, whose dedication extends across the cheer, dance, and mascot programs. This leadership team ensures the program maintains its high standards for athletic performance, academic achievement, and community engagement, critical elements for a top-tier Division I program.Dawn Burton: Head Coach and Spirit Coordinator
Dawn Burton is the figurehead of the CSU Spirit Squads, currently serving in her 19th season, having joined the university in 2005. Her extensive tenure provides a deep institutional knowledge and a consistent vision for the team's direction. As the Spirit Coordinator and Head Cheerleading Coach, she oversees the entire operation, including the cheer team and the Ramettes dance team. Burton's role is crucial in managing the demanding schedules, coordinating appearances, and preparing the team for the intensity of national competitions like the UCA College Cheerleading National Championship. She is also known for actively coaching the mascot teams, further cementing her role as the comprehensive director of spirit at CSU.The coaching staff supporting Burton includes:
- Cami Smith: Serving as an Assistant Coach, Cami Smith plays a vital role in day-to-day training, technique development, and ensuring the team’s routines are executed flawlessly.
- Lauren Rael: Head Coach of the Golden Poms (the dance team), Lauren Rael works in close coordination with the cheer staff to ensure a unified and dynamic Spirit Squad presence at all Rams athletic events.
The 2024-2025 CSU Cheerleading Roster: Key Athletes
The current Colorado State University Cheerleading roster is a blend of seasoned veterans and promising newcomers, all committed to supporting the Rams in the Mountain West Conference. The 2024-2025 Spirit Squad is built on a foundation of precision stunting, powerful tumbling, and a relentless energy that defines the CSU game-day experience.The team features numerous talented athletes, including:
- Kendyl Tyson (Junior, Erie, CO)
- Avery Echols (Junior, Aurora, CO)
- Jenaya Garren (Junior, Windsor, CO)
- Devyn Dale (Freshman, 1st year)
- Jade Bedol (Sophomore, 2nd year)
- Camryn Ann Butzine (Junior, 2nd year)
- Vinicio Carranza (Junior, 2nd year)
- Kelli Clark (Sophomore, 2nd year)
The program is already looking ahead, with a partial 2025-2026 roster being finalized, featuring new talents such as Freshman Alexa Gomolak.
Inside the Program: Training, Competitions, and Community Impact
The CSU Cheerleading program is far more than just game-day appearances; it is a year-round commitment to competitive excellence, rigorous training, and deep community involvement that strengthens the bond between the university and the city of Fort Collins.1. Competitive Excellence and UCA Nationals
As a Division I program, the Colorado State Cheerleading team consistently competes against the nation’s elite at major events. The team is known to participate in the prestigious UCA & UDA College Cheerleading and Dance Team National Championship, which is the culmination of the competitive season for collegiate cheerleaders. The program’s focus on the UCA Nationals showcases their dedication to high-level competition, pushing their boundaries in Coed and All-Girl divisions. Their training regimen is designed to master complex stunting, intricate tumbling passes, and high-energy routines required to succeed on the national stage.2. The Visit Fort Collins Partnership
A major update for the 2024-2025 season is the official partnership between Colorado State University Athletics and Visit Fort Collins. This initiative is designed to elevate the overall athletic experience and specifically enhance the experience for all Spirit Squad members. The partnership includes the addition of special uniform patches for the cheer and dance teams, visibly celebrating the spirit of both the university and the city of Fort Collins. This collaboration underscores the team's role as ambassadors for the entire Northern Colorado community.3. Rigorous Tryout and Camp Schedule
The commitment to excellence begins with a demanding tryout process. The team has already announced tryout dates for the upcoming 2025-2026 Spirit Squads, highlighting the continuous cycle of recruitment and talent development. Furthermore, CSU is a hub for cheerleading development, hosting the annual UCA Cheer Camp. The 2025 UCA Cheer Camp is scheduled for June 15-18, 2025, offering a traditional camp experience that includes dorm housing, which is a great opportunity for team bonding and learning the latest techniques from the Varsity Spirit staff.4. Game Day and Fan Engagement
The primary and most visible role of the CSU Cheerleading team is to support the Rams at various athletic events, including football at Sonny Lubick Field and basketball at Moby Arena. The Spirit Squads travel extensively across the country to cheer on and support the Rams, connecting with CSU fans far beyond Fort Collins. The team is an integral part of the game-day atmosphere, responsible for leading crowd cheers, performing dynamic routines, and maintaining the electric energy that defines Rams Athletics.5. Academic Priority and Scholarship Opportunities
The CSU Cheerleading program emphasizes that being a Division I athlete means prioritizing academics. The team is part of a university that consistently posts strong academic results across its athletic programs. The program offers various opportunities and resources, including scholarship information, to support their athletes in achieving academic success while managing their rigorous athletic commitments.6. The Ramettes Dance Team Collaboration
While distinct, the Cheerleading team works seamlessly with the Ramettes Dance Team (Golden Poms) to create a unified and powerful Spirit Squad. The coordinated efforts of the Head Cheer Coach Dawn Burton and Golden Poms Head Coach Lauren Rael ensure that both teams complement each other, providing a cohesive and maximal impact on fan engagement and competitive performance.7. Fundraising and Program Support
The CSU Spirit Squads actively engage in fundraising initiatives to support their competitive travel and program needs. The team participates in university-wide events like "Rams Rise," the annual CSU Day of Giving, which has seen incredible success thanks to the support of alumni and donors. This community and alumni backing is essential for maintaining the high standards and resources required for a top-tier collegiate cheer program.
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