CSI STUNT FACES MISERICORDIA IN FIRST INTERCOLLEGIATE STUNT GAME IN NORTHEAST REGION

4/11/2024 10:00:00 AM

Dallas, PA - The College of Staten Island STUNT Team made history last night as they faced Misericordia University in the first intercollegiate STUNT game in the Northeast region. In the team's first-ever game, the Dolphins fell to the Cougars 12-5, but last night's scrimmage meant much more to the program than the final score. For Head Coach Aurora Haxhari and Assistant Coach Melissa Silverman, the experience is just the latest in a longstanding involvement with the sport. STUNT emerged as a PSAL sport in public high schools affording Haxhari the opportunity to participate in the sport at New Dorp High School from 2015 through 2018. During that time, Haxhari was a part of the number one team on Staten Island each year she competed. Those teams were also ranked second in New York State's top division. For two of her years at New Dorp, Haxhari was joined on the team by Silverman, and the duo has now been given the opportunity to usher in the future of STUNT at the College of Staten Island.

"As head coach, I am beyond excited to have the opportunity to kickstart this program," said Haxhari. "Having a really strong passion for STUNT, I look forward to a long future with this program and enhancing the student-athlete experience for the female athletes that participate. STUNT the sport has been constantly growing in colleges across the nation since being approved for NCAA at all three division levels, as well as the college club level. I'm looking forward to being a part of the growth in the east coast region."

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Looking ahead towards a future as a Division II sport, Haxhari also hopes to foster a team with healthy relationships that enhances the student-athlete experience. The student-athletes who have been a part of the program during its infancy are equally excited about the future of STUNT at CSI.  "Besides being exciting and fun, STUNT forges a bond not just with the team, but with your STUNT group itself," said junior Alexa Gulotta. "The sense of family created by the coaches had allowed me to grow not only as a team member, but as an individual as well. The friendships I have created this season will be ones that last a lifetime."

Senior Cheerleading captain Inioluwa Ogunfowora shared this sentiment and has benefited greatly from the culture surrounding the program.  "I was nervous at first because I'd never done STUNT before, but with awesome teammates and coaches, I quickly felt at ease," she said. "I love going to practice every week, learning new routines, and being part of such a supportive team. Trying something new can be scary, but doing STUNT has been worth it!"

Freshman Aliveah Nelson enjoys the creativity the team is allowed to exercise when participating in the sport, and values the comaraderie that comes with performing as a team.  "STUNT the sport is a very fun and unique sport," she said. "Taking the aspects we love of Cheerleading and putting it in a game format allows for a different type of atmosphere with a new level of intensity. The routines we perform are creative and exciting. Practices are fun, hardworking, and rewarding. There's no better feeling than hitting a routine with your team. It's a very competitive and high energy game that focuses on technique and athleticism."

For the latest information on CSI STUNT, visit the program landing page at the link here.

GAME VIDEO

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