FIU Cheerleaders are Third in the Country!
The FIU Cheerleaders are exceptional student-athletes who exemplify school spirit while serving as ambassadors of Florida International University and the Athletic Department. The Cheerleaders attended last April's NCA college nationals in Daytona Beach for the first time since 1999. Going into the competition, the FIU Cheerleaders were ranked sixth in the small co-ed division based on camp performances and a video entry demonstrating skill.
During preliminary competition, the Cheerleaders performed a flawless routine, finishing in fourth place and advancing to the finals. FIU finished sixth in the small co-ed division.
The squad performs at men's and women's basketball and football games, numerous on-campus events, pep rallies, functions throughout our local community, Sun Belt Conference championships and the NCAA Tournament.
Their focus is to improve school spirit, entertain and dazzle the FIU athletic supporters and student body with high-energy talent and athleticism. In addition, they will be striving to improve individually and as a team throughout the year preparing for national competitions.
In the summer of 2009, the Cheerleaders moved from the Department of Athletics to become a Sport Club administered through Recreation Services. The club functions as do other student-run clubs with student officers, fund-raising efforts and support from the FIU community and fans of the Golden Panthers.
GO GOLDEN PANTHERS!
For public appearances and performances, please contact the Cheerleaders directly or submit requests in writing to: FIU Cheerleaders, c/o Recreation Services, 11290 SW 13th St., RC 103, Miami, Florida 33199.
Cheerleader Coach
 Maria George's extensive cheerleading background and experience set her apart from many hopefuls. Most currently, she was a professional cheerleader for the National Football League with the Miami Dolphins. A member of this elite cheerleading squad and organization (98-00), she was chosen as a member of the selective "show team" (travel squad) performing all over the world, in addition to, on the sidelines where she was a team co-captain. Miss George is now benefiting from her time with the Dolphins, as a member of the professional cheerleaders alumni. The PCA is a new organization consisting of alumni cheerleaders from the NFL and NBA, who raise money for women and children's charities. Also an entrepreneur, she is a partner in a planning and public relations company.
A collegiate cheerleader with the impressive Division I University of Pittsburgh Panthers, she was active with the dance team, Pantherette program and an instructor & trainer with the Elite cheerleading organization. On the cheerleading circuit, she was also chosen Division I-A All America.
After receiving a B.A. in communications from Pittsburgh, Miss George started her own cheer/dance school in western Pennsylvania where her all-star competition squads were created. The Mon Valley All Stars and Steele City All Stars have captured numerous local, state, regional, and national titles under her direction.
A successful businesswoman, entrepreneur, professional cheerleader, dancer, spokesperson, model and philanthropist, FIU is proud and excited to welcome her to our university.
Squad History
The FIU Golden Panthers shocked the cheerleading world by bringing home the National Cheerleaders Association Grand National Championship Award. FIU defeated a favored Louisville in the finals, becoming the first team from Florida to win the national crown.
After the team won the Division I title at Daytona Beach, it went on to compete against five-time champion Louisville and community college winner Miami-Dade for the Grand Nationals. The judges crowned the Golden Panthers as new champions with a team score of 9.4. It marked the first time that a Division I non-football school had ever beaten a Division I football squad in a head-to-head competition.
Auditions
The FIU Cheerleaders are always looking for talented women and men who wish to excel in the sport of cheerleading at a collegiate level. For further information, please contact Maria George (FIU Cheer Head Coach or Racquel Duncombe (Assistant Cheer Coach) via email to fiucheer@fiu.edu.
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