Temple University Athletics
Spirit Squad Excels at National Championships
1.24.25 | Cheerleading, Diamond Gems
ORLANDO, Fla. - The Temple Spirit Squad showcased their talent at the 2025 UCA & UDA College Cheerleading & Dance Team National Championships, held at the Walt Disney Resort from January 17-19. The weekend was highlighted by the Diamond Gems earning a fourth-place finish in the Game Day category, while the Temple Cheerleading squad also secured fourth place in the All-Girl Game Day category.
The Diamond Gems fourth-place finish matches the highest finish in program history in the Game Day category, equaling the mark set just one year ago. The Gems also advanced to the finals in Hip-Hop, finishing 10th, and earned a 16th-place finish in the Pom category.
"There is one acronym that has been a constant for this team all season, BEST (better every single time)," said Jennifer Keller, Director of Spirit Programs and Head Diamond Gems Coach. "When I heard the crowd roar and saw the standing ovation in the arena after our hip hop performance, that was truly the BEST moment and the feeling every single team member and coach worked so hard to achieve."
The Temple Cheerleaders also enjoyed a successful weekend in Florida. Their fourth-place finish in the All-Girl Game Day category extended an impressive streak to eight consecutive years of finishing in the top five, being the only school in the country to achieve this feat. In a tightly contested competition, the Owls narrowly missed advancing to the finals by just 0.43 points. Additionally, the cheerleading squad tied for 11th in the All-Girl Division.
"I am so proud of the consistency Temple Cheer has continued to put on the mat at the National Championship year after year! It's rare for teams to perform deduction free routines and the athletes worked so hard this season to make that happen again!", said Head Cheerleading Coach Jenna Komosinski. "Temple Cheer is in the mix with some of the biggest D1A programs and all the credit should go to the athletes for their perseverance through any challenges that came their way this season! They stepped up to challenges and were able to execute more difficult skills than Temple Cheerleading has ever competed in the past!"
Reflecting on the event, Keller shared, "These teams take great pride in representing Temple University and supporting our Athletics programs all year long. The National Championships is their one opportunity all year to focus on their sport and demonstrate the passion and commitment they have to their team, their university and to cheer and dance. This is the Superbowl of Collegiate Cheerleading and Dance!"
Â
The Diamond Gems fourth-place finish matches the highest finish in program history in the Game Day category, equaling the mark set just one year ago. The Gems also advanced to the finals in Hip-Hop, finishing 10th, and earned a 16th-place finish in the Pom category.
"There is one acronym that has been a constant for this team all season, BEST (better every single time)," said Jennifer Keller, Director of Spirit Programs and Head Diamond Gems Coach. "When I heard the crowd roar and saw the standing ovation in the arena after our hip hop performance, that was truly the BEST moment and the feeling every single team member and coach worked so hard to achieve."
The Temple Cheerleaders also enjoyed a successful weekend in Florida. Their fourth-place finish in the All-Girl Game Day category extended an impressive streak to eight consecutive years of finishing in the top five, being the only school in the country to achieve this feat. In a tightly contested competition, the Owls narrowly missed advancing to the finals by just 0.43 points. Additionally, the cheerleading squad tied for 11th in the All-Girl Division.
"I am so proud of the consistency Temple Cheer has continued to put on the mat at the National Championship year after year! It's rare for teams to perform deduction free routines and the athletes worked so hard this season to make that happen again!", said Head Cheerleading Coach Jenna Komosinski. "Temple Cheer is in the mix with some of the biggest D1A programs and all the credit should go to the athletes for their perseverance through any challenges that came their way this season! They stepped up to challenges and were able to execute more difficult skills than Temple Cheerleading has ever competed in the past!"
Reflecting on the event, Keller shared, "These teams take great pride in representing Temple University and supporting our Athletics programs all year long. The National Championships is their one opportunity all year to focus on their sport and demonstrate the passion and commitment they have to their team, their university and to cheer and dance. This is the Superbowl of Collegiate Cheerleading and Dance!"
Â
Ep. 2: Temple Football Alum Tyler Matakevich || Gymnastics Junior Amelia Budd
Friday, September 05
Elevate the Owls: Temple Athletics' Competitive Excellence Fund
Tuesday, September 02
Ep. 1: Head Football Coach K.C. Keeler || XC's David Litvin & WLAX's Amelia Wright
Friday, August 29
Introducing The Owl Pod: The Official Podcast of Temple Athletics!
Friday, August 22
