Eastern Michigan Athletics
Cheer and Dance Teams Earn Top-10 Finishes on National Stage
4/23/2025 1:44:00 PM | General, Cheer, Dance
Cheer climbs to seventh; Dance secures two top-10 finishes
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. and ORLANDO, Fla. (EMUEagles.com) – Eastern Michigan University's spirit programs wrapped up a successful nationals season with both teams earning top-10 finishes on two of the biggest stages in collegiate competition. The cheer team impressed at the NCA College Nationals in Daytona Beach, Fla., while the dance team delivered strong results in two divisions at the College Classic in Orlando, Fla.
Cheer Climbs the Rankings in Daytona
Competing in the Intermediate Small Coed Division IA, EMU Cheer placed seventh in the nation with a final event score of 90.9051—a six-spot improvement from last year's 13th-place finish. The Eagles also finished second among three Mid-American Conference programs in the division, topping the University at Buffalo.
After placing eighth in prelims with a 22.4884, Eastern bounced back with a clean, deduction-free finals routine that showcased the team's precision, athleticism, and determination. The performance capped off a season of growth and resilience, led by interim head coaches Emily Watters and Gabe Pillen. Despite a mid-year coaching transition, the squad rebuilt trust and reignited team culture to achieve one of its strongest national finishes in recent years.
Tryout dates for the 2025–26 EMU Cheer Team have not yet been announced. Those interested in joining the program are encouraged to follow EMU Cheer's social media channels and the EMU Athletics website for updates.
Dance Delivers Double Top-10 Finish in Orlando
At the College Classic, the EMU Dance Team earned top-10 placements in Division I Jazz and Hip Hop, standing out among strong national competition.
In Jazz, Eastern finished seventh out of 23 teams and ranked third among MAC schools, outscoring Central Michigan University and Kent State University. The Eagles were one of six programs to earn a direct bid to the finals, reflecting their technical strength and performance quality.
In Hip Hop, EMU placed fifth out of 13 teams and second among four MAC programs, finishing ahead of the University of Akron and the University of Toledo. Their sharp, high-energy routine was recognized for its synchronization and stage presence, reinforcing Eastern's rising reputation in collegiate dance.
Led by Head Coach Tori Schuetz, who has been at the helm since 2023, the 2025 season marked a strong step forward for the program. With prior nationals experience, Schuetz brought a renewed vision and competitive edge in her first full season, helping elevate the team's performance and continue its tradition of excellence.
Follow @easternmichigancheer and @emudanceteam on social media to stay updated on team highlights, events, and future opportunities.
Cheer Climbs the Rankings in Daytona
Competing in the Intermediate Small Coed Division IA, EMU Cheer placed seventh in the nation with a final event score of 90.9051—a six-spot improvement from last year's 13th-place finish. The Eagles also finished second among three Mid-American Conference programs in the division, topping the University at Buffalo.
After placing eighth in prelims with a 22.4884, Eastern bounced back with a clean, deduction-free finals routine that showcased the team's precision, athleticism, and determination. The performance capped off a season of growth and resilience, led by interim head coaches Emily Watters and Gabe Pillen. Despite a mid-year coaching transition, the squad rebuilt trust and reignited team culture to achieve one of its strongest national finishes in recent years.
Tryout dates for the 2025–26 EMU Cheer Team have not yet been announced. Those interested in joining the program are encouraged to follow EMU Cheer's social media channels and the EMU Athletics website for updates.
Dance Delivers Double Top-10 Finish in Orlando
At the College Classic, the EMU Dance Team earned top-10 placements in Division I Jazz and Hip Hop, standing out among strong national competition.
In Jazz, Eastern finished seventh out of 23 teams and ranked third among MAC schools, outscoring Central Michigan University and Kent State University. The Eagles were one of six programs to earn a direct bid to the finals, reflecting their technical strength and performance quality.
In Hip Hop, EMU placed fifth out of 13 teams and second among four MAC programs, finishing ahead of the University of Akron and the University of Toledo. Their sharp, high-energy routine was recognized for its synchronization and stage presence, reinforcing Eastern's rising reputation in collegiate dance.
Led by Head Coach Tori Schuetz, who has been at the helm since 2023, the 2025 season marked a strong step forward for the program. With prior nationals experience, Schuetz brought a renewed vision and competitive edge in her first full season, helping elevate the team's performance and continue its tradition of excellence.
Follow @easternmichigancheer and @emudanceteam on social media to stay updated on team highlights, events, and future opportunities.
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