Monday, April 21, 2025
Lisa Ferrari capped off her impressive 17-year career as head coach of the Seaford High School varsity cheer team by winning its first-ever national championship last month.
Ferrari’s tenure has been defined by a dedication to pushing her team to new heights. This year, the Seaford team reached the pinnacle, taking the Traditional Division II Small Varsity title at the Universal Cheerleaders Association National High School Cheerleading Championship, held Feb. 7-10 at the ESPN Wide World of Sports complex in Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.
For Ferrari, winning nationals was a surreal experience, especially after securing a state championship just a few months earlier.
“It's like that elusive dream — something you always hope for and reach for,” Ferrari said, “but you don't know if it will ever actually happen.”
In December, Seaford claimed the New York State Public High School Athletic Association’s Division II Small Varsity championship, marking the team’s second consecutive state title. The team comprises 21 athletes who spend three hours a day, six days a week, perfecting their routines. Competing at the Visions Veterans Memorial Arena in Binghamton, the Vikings delivered a dominant performance in the finals, edging out top-ranked squads, including Sachem East and West Genesee, to secure back-to-back wins.
In Florida, Seaford competed against 96 teams in its division, continuing the annual tradition of appearing at nationals under Ferrari since 2012. After placing second last year, the Vikings secured first place in their preliminary bracket, allowing them to bypass the semifinals for the first time in program history. They advanced straight to the finals, where they delivered a strong performance to win their first-ever national championship.
Cheerleader Codi Kasparian, a senior, reflected on the victory, expressing how much it meant to the team after months of dedication and perseverance.
“It just felt like all the hard work that we did all season finally paid off,” Kasparian said, “and all the other people that didn't believe in us that we could do it, it showed them that we could.”
Seaford qualified for nationals by competing in regional events and earning a bid from the Universal Cheerleaders Association. In December, the team participated in the Pocono regionals and Empire regionals, winning both to secure a spot at the national competition.
Ferrari acknowledged the difficulties of a long season but credited her athletes for their dedication and perseverance.
“It’s a long season, but it speaks to their commitment as athletes,” she said. “They set a goal and didn’t let injuries or illnesses keep them from achieving it.”
Throughout the season, the team faced several setbacks, including shoulder and ankle injuries to team members. Senior Hayley Kern has been recovering from a torn labrum she sustained two years ago.
“Every practice is hard,” Kern said, “but I wanted to push through because I wanted to get this chance to go down to nationals and have the chance of winning.”
Cheerleader Melissa Phieffer said the team focused on maintaining confidence and energy throughout the competition. With cameras on them during warm-ups and right before taking the stage, they reminded one another to stay positive and not let nerves take over.
“Compared to other teams, we looked like we were genuinely having fun,” Kern said. “There was not one moment during the routine that it was like, ‘What are they doing?’ We always looked like we were having fun, like we owned our routine.”
Ferrari described herself as a tough coach who challenges her athletes to push past their limits. She emphasized the importance of having a coach who believes in them, encouraging them to trust in themselves, their teammates, and their ability to succeed.
“I see the potential in them that they might not even see themselves,” Ferrari said. “I really do try to push them outside of their comfort zone to achieve those potentials.”
This is Ferrari’s final season as head coach, as she plans to spend more time with her family. In addition to coaching, she teaches AP U.S. History and criminal justice at Seaford High School. Her athletes said they were motivated to finish the season strong for her, recognizing the impact she has had on the program.
“She always shows up, and for the past 17 years, she built the program basically from the ground up to make us who we are,” Kasparian said. “We wouldn't be who we are without her and how she coaches.”
Ferrari expressed immense pride in her team's accomplishments, particularly the national title.
"It's a testament to the girls that are on the team," she said. "They set their mind to something, and they were able to succeed. I couldn't be more proud of what they've accomplished."
