Athletes from the Rutgers Pom team represent USA again in the US National Team Cheer Freestyle Pom Division

Bartlett, Tenn., February 15, 2019 – USA Cheer has announced the coaching staff and regional area that will represent the United States in the US National Team Cheer Freestyle Pom division at the 2019 International Cheer Union (ICU) World Cheerleading Championships, which takes place April 24 – 26, 2019 at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at the Walt Disney World® Resorts.

The Pom team from Rutgers University is coached by head coach Christine Zoffinger, along with Mike Stickle and Lindsey Ritter. Zoffinger was a member of the Rutgers Dance Team as a student, and began coaching in 1995, a year after graduating. She has coached for nearly 25 years, earning the team a strong reputation in pom, as well as clinching the Gold Medal in last year’s US National Team Cheer Freestyle Pom Division. Many of the athletes represented on the US National Team are from New Jersey, New York, Florida, California and Rhode Island.

“It is such an honor to be chosen to represent the US for a second year in Pom. The team is so excited to get back to work and for the opportunity to be part of the US National teams,” says Zoffinger. “Last year, they made so many friends from across the country — and around the world — and I’m so happy that they’ll have the opportunity to do so again while competing on that stage. We are ready!”

“I could not be more thrilled to have Rutgers University represent the USA in Team Cheer Freestyle Pom at ICU Championships. Last year, they set the bar high in this division and walked away with the Gold,” says Stacy Shelton, USA Cheer Director of Dance. “Their unique visual, and entertaining choreography always sets them apart, along with their strength of movement, technical ability, and genuine love for the sport. Christine has instilled in them the work ethic and motivation it takes to stay on top. I am elated to have them as ambassadors for USA Cheer, once again.”

Co-Captain Zoe Finkelstein echoes the excitement, “We are so excited to have the chance to represent USA Cheer once again this year. The experience is a once in a lifetime opportunity for so many of us, and we are so thankful to represent our country. We are looking forward to meeting and competing with so many talented athletes from around the world.”

For more information about USA Cheer, visit www.usacheer.org, or contact Sheila Noone, media@usacheer.org.