CJ Sereno Joins Pioneers Staff in Expanded Role
7/19/2021 9:29:00 PM | Cheerleading
SHU Alum has led Pios to Back-to-Back National Titles
FAIRFIELD, Conn. — Sacred Heart University Interim Director of Athletics Judy Ann Riccio has elevated cheerleading coach CJ Sereno to a full-time role. Sereno has guided the SHU competitive cheerleading team to back-to-back national championship.
She is one of two full-time cheerleading coaches in the northeast and one of a few nationally outside of the Power 5. In addition to coaching the cheerleading team, Sereno will coordinate all spirit squads and assist with special events.
"With the amount of recruiting that goes into forming our National Champion cheerleading squads, and the amount of work that goes into having multiple nationally competitive squads, it was a no-brainer that CJ be promoted to full time," Riccio said. "I am looking forward to the dedication and creativity that CJ will bring to this new role."
This spring, Sacred Heart captured the title in the Open All Girl Game Day competition, held at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Fla. The Pioneers were also fifth in the Division 1 All Girl event. Last season SHU won its first national championship in the All Girl Division I competition.
"I'm very excited to join the Pioneer family in a full-time capacity," Sereno said. "I look forward to helping our program reach new heights and improving the game day experience at SHU."
A 2015 Sacred Heart graduate with a degree in criminal justice, Sereno was elevated to head coach in 2016 after serving as an assistant the previous year. Two seasons later she had the Pioneers back on the national stage with a sixth-place finish in the All Girl Division 1 competition.
Sereno was a member of the SHU competitive cheerleading team for three years, serving as captain during her senior year. That season, she helped the Pioneers to a then program-best sixth-place finish at the 2015 UCA Nationals.
She is one of two full-time cheerleading coaches in the northeast and one of a few nationally outside of the Power 5. In addition to coaching the cheerleading team, Sereno will coordinate all spirit squads and assist with special events.
"With the amount of recruiting that goes into forming our National Champion cheerleading squads, and the amount of work that goes into having multiple nationally competitive squads, it was a no-brainer that CJ be promoted to full time," Riccio said. "I am looking forward to the dedication and creativity that CJ will bring to this new role."
This spring, Sacred Heart captured the title in the Open All Girl Game Day competition, held at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Fla. The Pioneers were also fifth in the Division 1 All Girl event. Last season SHU won its first national championship in the All Girl Division I competition.
"I'm very excited to join the Pioneer family in a full-time capacity," Sereno said. "I look forward to helping our program reach new heights and improving the game day experience at SHU."
A 2015 Sacred Heart graduate with a degree in criminal justice, Sereno was elevated to head coach in 2016 after serving as an assistant the previous year. Two seasons later she had the Pioneers back on the national stage with a sixth-place finish in the All Girl Division 1 competition.
Sereno was a member of the SHU competitive cheerleading team for three years, serving as captain during her senior year. That season, she helped the Pioneers to a then program-best sixth-place finish at the 2015 UCA Nationals.
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