Villa Maria College has started a cheerleading program and is currently seeking new students to join the program. The team, which officially formed at the beginning of the Spring 2017 semester, is currently made up of 10 Villa students. The College is now actively recruiting new students to join the cheerleading program and is offering scholarships for those interested in attending the College.
The cheer program is a student organization that supports the Villa Vikings men’s and women’s basketball teams. As the team grows, it will perform at other sporting and College events and the College may begin to participate in collegiate cheer competitions.
“Our new cheer team presents a great opportunity for high school students and college transfers who are passionate about cheerleading, and who want to continue cheering at the collegiate level,” said Brian Emerson, Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Services. “We expect the cheer program to grow and make a positive impact on school spirit.”
The Viking cheerleaders are led by Coach Brittany Leighbody, an experienced former cheerleader and coach. Leighbody has coached for Cheektowaga Central, St. Mary’s High School and the Lightning All-Stars, where she is part owner of the gym. She has choreographed Cuba-Rushford Varsity and coordinated tumbling clinics for Lancaster. Lastly, she has Collegiate and Level 6 cheerleading experience.
This is Leighbody’s first collegiate coaching post. She brings commitment to safety, development, and quality to the fledgling Viking cheerleading program. “My desire is to build the highest quality collegiate cheerleading program in Western New York,” said Leighbody. “Our program is open to students with all levels of experience and backgrounds.”
The cheerleading program is an extension of the College’s efforts to promote school spirit and grow the institution. The Villa Vikings athletic program competes in the United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA) in eight sports. The athletic program was re-introduced in 2015 as part of the College’s Visionary Plan to grow enrollment and student involvement.
The Villa Maria College cheerleading program is now accepting applications from students interested in joining the team. For more information, visit www.villa.edu/cheer, or contact Coach Brittany Leighbody via e-mail: [email protected] or phone: 716-200-7751.
