Virginia Union University Cheerleaders Win Second National Black Cheerleading Championship

April 04, 2025

Virginia Union University is excited to celebrate our cheerleading team for winning their second National Black Cheerleading Championship. Under the leadership of Coach Danielle Johnson, the team has shown incredible talent and dedication.

Coach Johnson and the team were also honored with several awards at the CheerSZN Awards, including the 2024 Superstar Award, Choreographer of the Year, Male and Female of the Year, Best Performance of the Year, and the Lifetime Achievement Award.

"This recognition is both shocking and rewarding," Coach Danielle Johnson said. "It truly affirms the dedication and hard work we, as coaches and athletes, pour into this program. Being recognized in the stomp and shake cheer industry is an honor, and it fuels my passion to continue pushing the program to greater heights."

Coach Johnson, who grew up in Roanoke, Virginia, has been involved in cheer and dance all her life. She was a leader at VUU and earned top honors during her time there.

She was inspired by her mother, a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader who believes in hard work and passion. Her motto is simple: eat, sleep, attend school, and cheer. This keeps the team focused and disciplined.

Coach Johnson advises aspiring cheer athletes and coaches to never shy away from constructive criticism and that coaches should give athletes the space to grow.

"I tell my athletes always to be coachable and open to constructive criticism. Growth happens when you're willing to listen and apply feedback," Johnson said.

"For coaches, be a safe space for your athletes. Many of them need more than just a coach; they need support, structure, and someone who truly cares about their well-being."

Coach Johnson plans to keep inspiring future cheerleaders by offering workshops and sharing her knowledge. She emphasizes that every performance should be full of energy and confidence.

Balancing cheer with school and self-care is important, and Coach Johnson encourages open communication and structured schedules for her team.

Looking ahead, she plans to start a VUU Cheer Alumni Association to support the program financially, secure mats for practice, and improve the condition of uniforms.