Head Coach Danielle Johnson Rallies the Rah Rahs: A Team Ready to Shake Hovey Field
September 30, 2024
Virginia Union University (VUU) proudly highlights head coach Danielle Johnson as she prepares the Rah Rahs for the football season. With homecoming season just a month away, Hovey Field will soon be jam-packed with excited fans as the band's sound echoes through the stadium.
Yet, a football game is only complete with the vibrant spirit of VUU's Rah Rah cheerleaders, especially under Coach Danielle Johnson's dynamic leadership.
A true powerhouse in the cheerleading world, Coach Johnson has lead her team to victory, earning awards including the 2024 Superstar Award and the esteemed Lifetime Achievement Award at the National Black Cheerleading Championship.
"This year opened my eyes to continue doing what I do best; with the support of my backbone, Coach Lee Stilley Jr., we are an unstoppable duo," Danielle Johnson said.
Coach Danielle's love for cheerleading began when she was young, inspired by her mother, a VUU alum and former Dallas Cowboys cheerleader.
"Cheer is life. It's my passion!" Johnson says, emphasizing how vital cheerleading is to her.
After cheering for VUU herself, where she served as captain, Coach Johnson went on to coach at various levels and even opened her own cheer gym.
As Coach Johnson keeps her motto of building tradition and not resting on a legacy at the heart of her mission, she focuses on evolving the cheer program. Thanks to her leadership, the VUU cheer team has grown to 38 members this season, a sign of her vision in recruiting and developing talent.
"Cheer is a sport! We put in just as much time and effort as any other sport," Coach Johnson said.
She believes fans and the community must understand the dedication that goes into cheerleading.
Coach Johnson also aims to inspire young athletes and future coaches. She advises them to see cheerleading not just as a hobby but as a serious sport.
"Keep an open mind and be ready to learn. Cheering with us will be different, and it can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life," Johnson said.
As the Panther football team gears up for their season and next month's homecoming game, the Rah Rahs will be ready to shake the stadium. In the meantime, Coach Johnson encourages fans to come support the team's next home game this Saturday, October 5, against Winston-Salem University at 1:00 p.m.
"We want our fans to bring the energy and show their support for both the football team and the cheerleaders," Johnson said.