The high school cheerleaders recently attended the SCA Cheerleading Camp at McNeese State University in Lake Charles. The girls received a Superior ranking (blue ribbon) for their performance at the first evaluation. They were also named First Runners Up in the Varsity Division and Most Improved at the final competition. Captains Saranee Bell ’12 and Jessica Thiac ’12 and Olivia Fabacher ’13 were named All Americans. The team also earned Best Mascot.

Below are some photos from the camp. Way to go, girls!

The 2011-2012 cheerleading captains will be hosting a pre-try out clinic on Tuesday, April 26 from 4 – 6 p.m. in the MBO Athletic Center.  While not mandatory, attendance at the clinic is strongly recommended.  The try out dance and chant will be taught at this time.

For more information regarding high school cheerleading, please contact Megan Dubee at mdubee@ursulineneworleans.org.

The Skips Brought the Spirit during Pep Rally

We would like to thank the High School Student Council, E-Board President Maddie Skinner ‘11, and the Ursuline Academy Athletic Department for hosting today’s activity period. During the activity period, the winter sports of Basketball and Soccer were honored for their countless hours of practice and their commitment to Ursuline Academy. Junior Cassidy Eymard ‘12 introduced her teammates on the basketball team while Athletic Director Coach Bonnaffee introduced the soccer team members. The students were also entertained by a rare performance that combined the talents of our Ursuline Cheerleaders and our Ursuline Lionettes. Typically each squad performs at the activity periods, however, we do not recall any recent occasion where the two squads joined together as one. Great job, Ladies.

Upon the completion of the introductions, Student Council member Jill Taliancich ‘11 called for 10 representatives of each class to participate in a spirit game that would test the students’ skills in basketball and soccer. The Sioux would face their little sisters, the Red Feathers while the Merry Macs faced off against their little sisters, the Leps. The Skips’ little sisters are presently in seventh grade (therefore not present at the pep rally) which opened up a unique opportunity to have the teachers (faculty) challenge the sophomores. The student body would soon erupt when the Skips defeated the faculty to advance to the championship round against the Red Feathers and the Leps. When all was said and done, the Skips would finish in first place!

Ledet '12 performing with the Lionettes during the UA v. ASH volleyball game

Each year, our volleyball and basketball teams entertain those in attendance with their impressive athletic moves. Whether a player is making a diving save that continues a play which eventually results in match-point for our state champions, or if one of UBALL’s top stars drops 30+ points on an opposing team, our fans are always entertained. With so much talent to observe, it is understandable that some things at the games tend to be overlooked. This typical oversight is regrettable given the fact that two sports are a constant at each game. Without their support and effort, our volleyball and basketball teams would not have seen such a successful run in recent seasons.

Game after game, the Ursuline Cheerleaders are in the Claiborne section of the MBO Athletic Center cheering for our teams. Their cheers have become so common an such a key part of the athletic experience, that during warm-ups, you can also see at a minimum three or four volleyball players in-sync with the performance. We observed the volleyball players earlier today cheering along with the UA cheers.

Not to take any attention from their fellow spirit-oriented sisters, the Lionettes patiently wait for their chance to entertain the crowd. Our award winning dance team can always be seen in the State St side of the MBO Athletic Center wearing their navy and gold and eagerly awaiting the opportunity to perform for the large crowds that attend UA Volleyball matches. During the intermission between the Junior Varsity and Varsity matches, the Lionettes take the spotlight at center court and impress us with a routine that has each member moving their arms and legs at the speed of light all in a well choreographed routine. Sometimes the loud applause from those in attendance is delayed as fans wonder, “Wow, how do they do that so fast and so well?”

On State St., we love our Lionettes and our Cheerleaders and we thank them for being at each game. From the start of the game until the end, they are there showing their support. Thank you for keeping us entertained. With each banner that the basketball and volleyball teams hang on the walls of the MBO Athletic Center, take pride knowing that a part of each banner was sewed by your efforts and your commitment to Ursuline.  

After the game… or after our next victory … be sure to take a moment and thank the cheerleaders and Lionettes for their hard work. A “high-five” or a simple compliment of ”Good Job” lets each of them know that they are appreciated  

Keeping the Crowd Entertained Game after Game

On Tuesday evening, the Ursuline Academy Volleyball program began its 2010 season with its home opener against Northlake Christian High School. The team cruised to a 3 – 0 match victory to open the season on the same evening the team unveiled its 2009 State Champions banner. We would like to thank the cheerleaders for their presence at today’s game and each of the team’s upcoming games. Check back next time for pictures of our dance team The Lionettes.

Below are some action shots from today’s game.

Hello to all of our athletes!

This is a quick reminder that before you can become a member of one of our many excellent teams, you must submit all of the necessary paperwork. You can find the needed forms on the STUDENT LIFE section of our web site (click the High School tab on the main page and you will see the student life link).

Remember, you can not participate in ANY aspect of the team (practices, meetings, etc) without first submitting your forms to either your Head Coach or to Athletic Director Coach Bonnaffee.

Ursu-online staff

On Friday morning, the High School student body gathered in the Marjory Barbier Ousro (MBO) Athletic Center for a pep rally honoring our spring sports. Golf, Tennis, Track and Field, and Softball. Lionettes and Cheerleaders were also honored.

The pep rally began with a performance by the Lionettes. The student body sat along the Nashville side of the athletic center…. beneath the new championship banners that hang proudly on the wall. Yes, UA Athletics has finally arrived on the local scene and that is proved by the eighteen banners that now are on display. Soon, the LHSAA will be sending the Academy the official TOP 28 banner that was on display in Monroe, La when our basketball team participated in the Final Four of the Class 3A championship tournament.

After a great performance by the Lionettes, three senior members of the Lionettes Ximena Rocha ‘09, Ariel Glaze ‘09 and Brittni Lajaunie ‘09 had a special performance. With less than two months left in their high school careers, the seniors are beginning to hold their final performances. Therefore, wach performance is a little more special than the last. Ms. Schmitt, Lionette Coordinator, then called her four seniors to the court for the presenation of flowers. Glaze ‘09, Lajaunie ‘09, Rocha ‘09, and Samantha Simon ‘09 were honored for their commitment and dedication.

Coach Garrison then walked onto thecourt to introduce his 2009 UA SOFTBALL team. Garrison acknowledged his seniors first then acknowledged the remainder of the team. Garrison was able to proudly make the statement that the 2009 team has already surpassed last season’s win total and then team has just begun district play. Though injured this season, Christine Baudouin ‘09 was also honored by the softball team for her commitment to the team.

UA Track and Field was then introduced by Coach Karen Davis. Davis decided to introduce the eighth graders prior to introdcuing the seniors. It appears that this team continues to grow in size each year. While introducing the sophomores, Davis introduced Kristen Miranda ‘11. Miranda ‘11 competes in the polevault competition and Miranda ‘11 gives UA a very good chance at making it to the LHSAA State Championship.

At this time, UA CHEER moved to center court where the squad performed their award winning competition program. After a nice intro, the squad picked up the pace and started the student body rocking with an upbeat performance. The 2008-09 squad has one senior. UA CHEER is moderated by Mrs. Pusateri and the Athletic Department used this time to honor Jodie Joseph ‘09.

Coach John Gardner then walked up and introduced his 2009 UA GOLF team. Though the team is small in number, the team quickly becoming one of the area’s brightest, up and coming season. The team is 1 – 1 on the season. Brooke Rafidi ‘09 and Veronica Zintz ‘09 were presented their flowers at this time. Rafidi ‘09 has been one of the most recognized faces on the team for her many, many years of participation.

Coach Mairin Leblanc then introduced the UA TENNIS team. She took time to honor her multiple seniors of Jasmine Roussell ‘09, Ashley Guillaume ‘09, and Catlin Kirkwood ‘09. The team has a winning season to date and has five games to go before defending its region title.

The pep rally continued when the cheerleaders brought representatives ofeach class to the floor for a game. The game was the PING PONG game. Congratulations to the Sophomore Sioux for winning the competition. Boy, that class is competitive and always finds a way to win.

This competition was special in another way.  All entry fees for the competitors were to be donations to the charity of their choice.  Taking up the yoke of Serviam, the middle school cheerleaders, high school cheerleaders and Lionettes combined efforts to raise $975.25 for Children’s Hospital of New Orleans through bake sales and free dress days.  This donation in combination with the other teams at Kickin It for Kids raised over $14,000 for charities in Southern Louisiana.

A special thanks to Mr. Gabriel, the parents, families and students who supported us.  Look for the cheerleaders and Lionettes in Cleopatra on February 13, Rhea on February 15 and Thoth on February 22!

As they have the entire season, UA CHEER was present at last night’s open round victory in the 2008 Volleyball playoffs. The Ursuline Cheerleaders continue to keep the fans of UA Volelyball excited throughout the game and offer the team the added support needed to pull out a number of close game victories during the season.

UA CHEER will accompany the volleyball team to the Pontchartrain Center for UA’s second round game against the Academy of the Sacred Heart. Be sure to look for UA CHEER and join in on the cheers and help UA Volleyball move one step closer to the state title!

Lionettes and UA CHEER Entertain Student Body with First Performances of the Year

As students sat in the Marjorie Barbier Ourso Athletic Center waiting for the unveiling of the 2008-09 Student Council theme, the award-winning dance team and cheerleaders of Ursuline Academy set the stage for a wonderful conclusion to Community Day.

The Lionettes performed first. Wearing all black, the Lionettes continued to be a huge hit among the students. Be sure to look for the Lionettes at JAM DANCE, they have a tendency to do one of their routines right smack in the middle of the dance. You have to love that!

Following the Lionettes performance, UA CHEER took to the court dressed in their new uniforms. The uniforms were not the only new addition to the squad. In what has to be one of the largest cheer squads in recent memory, UA CHEER continues to get better and better. Today’s performance left the student body wanting more.