Oaks Christian Cheer: A Championship Start to a New Competitive Era
The 2025 winter season marked a historic turning point for Oaks Christian Cheer, a program that has long been a staple of spirit and support on the sidelines but is now carving out its place in the world of competitive cheerleading. Under the leadership of Coach Shannan Osullivan, Oaks Christian not only upheld their tradition of excellence but also soared to new heights with the debut of their competition teams—earning titles, national recognition, and a trip of a lifetime to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
From the football field to the competition mat, this season was a celebration of firsts, resilience, growth, and ambition—and it's only the beginning.
A Season of Breakthroughs: New Teams, New Titles
Coach Osullivan couldn’t hide her pride when reflecting on the season. “Last season was amazing for both sideline and our first-year competition teams,” she shared. “Our varsity football cheer team was selected to perform in the Macy’s Day Parade on Thanksgiving, which was an incredible trip for our cheerleaders and their families to spend a week in New York.”
For many athletes, being selected for such a prestigious national event is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. It was a moment of recognition—not just for performance on the field, but for representing Oaks Christian with poise, professionalism, and passion on one of the biggest stages in the world.
But the excitement didn’t stop there. Oaks Christian’s newly-formed competition teams made an unforgettable debut, claiming first place at the SoCal Regionals in both Show Cheer and Fight Song divisions. They then went on to make the finals at USA Spirit Nationals, a major accomplishment for a team in its inaugural season.
“It was a huge accomplishment for the program,” said Coach Osullivan. “We’re beyond proud of them and cannot wait for the second year of competition being part of our program.”
Leadership and Growth in Uncharted Territory
With competition added to the program for the first time, the season brought new demands—more intense practices, higher stakes, and new challenges. But the returning cheerleaders rose to the occasion.
“Our returning athletes especially stepped up,” said Coach Osullivan. “It was the program’s first year competing, and they really pushed themselves to fight through tough practices and come together as they competed.”
This resilience and determination were key to the team’s early success. The athletes had to transition from traditional sideline cheer to rigorous, high-performance competitive routines that require precision, endurance, and teamwork. Their ability to adapt and excel speaks volumes about their dedication—and the quality of leadership guiding them.
Team Culture: Rising to Challenges Together
While Coach Osullivan didn’t specify any particular injuries or setbacks, she emphasized the team’s ability to overcome pressure and thrive in high-stakes moments. The nature of competitive cheer—where every movement, every count, every lift is judged—demands mental toughness as much as physical talent. And this team proved they have both.
Their inaugural season could have been defined by growing pains. Instead, it was defined by grit and grace, and by athletes who embraced the unfamiliar and turned it into a foundation for future greatness.
Senior Impact: A Legacy Begins
The 2025 season was also a milestone for the senior class—not just in performance, but in setting a precedent for what’s to come. These seniors were the first to compete in the program’s history, the first to represent Oaks Christian at nationals, and the first to show younger teammates what it means to be both leaders and pioneers.
While specific seniors weren’t named, their legacy is already being felt. Their ability to rally behind a new vision for the program—while maintaining excellence in sideline cheer—helped establish a culture of dedication and belief that will fuel the next generation.
The Road Ahead: Second Year, Stronger Than Ever
With the foundation now laid, Oaks Christian Cheer has set its sights on a stronger second year. The excitement is palpable as Coach Osullivan looks toward a future filled with potential.
“We are really excited about all of our sideline teams getting more involved in the school and community,” she said. “And for our new comp teams, we are very much looking forward to year two. It’s all still very new, but they had an amazing start last year and we can't wait to see what they can do.”
That momentum isn’t just about repeating success—it’s about building deeper bonds, improving performance, and showing the community what cheerleading at Oaks Christian is truly about.
Offseason Goals: Lifting Higher—Literally
As competition cheer evolves, so does the technical demand—especially when it comes to stunting, which is currently a top priority for the program.
“Stunting is a huge focus in the program right now,” Osullivan noted. “We’re forming stunt groups that can grow and get stronger together year after year.”
This vision highlights a long-term investment in development—not just short-term wins. Creating consistency and chemistry among stunt groups is a proven path to competitive success, and Oaks Christian is already on the right track.
“Across the board, we want every athlete, every stunt group, every team growing stronger each practice,” Osullivan added. That relentless commitment to improvement is sure to pay dividends in future competitions.
Where to Follow the Lions' Rise
For fans, families, and aspiring cheerleaders eager to follow the team’s journey, Oaks Christian Cheer keeps the community updated through their Instagram page:
@OaksChristianCheer
There, followers can find updates, highlights, and recaps of competition results, including this year’s amazing debut:
1st Place – Show Cheer, SoCal Regionals 2025
1st Place – Fight Song, SoCal Regionals 2025
Finalists – USA Spirit Nationals, Show Cheer 2025
These are not just trophies—they’re milestones in a rapidly rising program.
Final Thoughts: From Spirit to Spotlight
Oaks Christian Cheer has always been a vital part of the school’s athletic culture, bringing energy and enthusiasm to the sidelines of football and basketball games. But in 2025, the program expanded its reach and stepped into the spotlight of competitive cheer—with confidence, courage, and class.
Coach Shannan Osullivan and her team of passionate athletes are proving that spirit is more than pom-poms and chants—it’s perseverance, power, and the will to perform when it matters most.
The first year of competition was nothing short of remarkable. And if it’s any indication of what’s to come, Oaks Christian Cheer isn’t just cheering for champions—they’re becoming them.
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