This week, the College of Staten Island Department of Athletics is showcasing their 2019-20 Award Winners, unveiled for the first time here on csidolphins.com and on social media. Normally reserved for unveiling at the Annual Athletic Awards Banquet in early-May, each day this week will feature award presentations throughout the day. Individual team awards are bestowed to students by their respective coaching staff, with major, departmental awards awarded by committee, to be announced at the close of the week.
Our awards week celebration continues today with
Cheerleading honorees:
Unfortunately the team did not get to showcase at the CUNYAC Championship this season, as the COVID-19 pandemic canceled the event that was slated for mid-March. Still, it did not prevent the team from working and building a tremendous routine throughout the season, while performing and fine-tuning their routine during the Men's & Women's Basketball season. Whether its lending to the gameday experience, committing to campus-wide events and interacting with the community, the CSI Cheer team is one of the busiest, and the two-time defending CUNYAC Champs have plenty to show for the hard work and effort they put into the season.
Here are the award winners for Cheerleading:
MELISSA YOFREDDO - FRESHMAN - MOST VALUABLE PLAYER
A fiirst-year standout this season coming out of New Dorp High school, Yofreddo is a tumbler who works at the top of the pyramid, and joined the Dolphins this semester. She was primed to be part of the Partner Stunt Competition at the CUNYAC Championship this season. College level stunting means being able to execute more difficult stunts and build pyramids two athletes high, and Yofreddo has proven she can handle the responsibility as one of the top performers in this area.
Head Coach Kristie Perrotta on Melissa Yofreddo...
Having coached Melissa during her freshman year of high school, I knew the talent she possessed. I was excited to hear that Melissa would be transferring to CSI for Spring 2020. Melissa immediately filled a void we had and quickly learned college level stunting. I'm looking forward to helping Melissa develop her skills over the next three years.
GABRIELLA OLIVIERI - FRESHMAN - ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
A freshman from New Dorp High School, Olivieri entered the CSI ranks as a base. This year, the coaching staff asked her to fill a mid-layer layer in pyramids and not only did she accept the role, but flourished in it. Her ability to do whatever the team needs, her coachability, and her bright future, are why she was chosen as the team's Rookie of the Year this season. The coaches contend that Olivieri will be a force on the team for years to come and one of the reasons for the squads bright future.
Head Coach Kristie Perrotta on Gabriella Olivieri...
Gab has natural talent and exemplifies what it means to be a cheerleader. When we asked her to step out of her comfort zone and become a mid-layer (from base), she accepted with a smile. Gab is a cheerleader's cheerleader. Her future is bright with the Dolphins.
KRISTIN ROMBI - SOPHOMORE - COACHES AWARD
A sophomore from New Dorp High School, Kristin took a hiatus from Cheerleading her freshman year to focus on her academic discipline. The coaches were excited when she decided to come out for the team again her sophomore season. She performs in the back spot, and her willingness to constantly improve her skills makes her the type of performer the coaches respect, someone who practices a great deal on her own to become better and better and serve the team in an increased role.
Head Coach Kristie Perrotta on Kristin Rombi...
Kristin brought positive energy to every practice, game and event. She is a great role model for the rookies. We are excited to have Kristin's positive vibes for another two years.
NEXT UP: MEN'S BASKETBALL (11:30 AM)
