The Gophers dance team had a decorated 2024-2025 season that resulted in gold and silver medals.
Last week, the Gophers dance team represented Team USA in the International Cheer Union World Championships. During the competition, they met and went against multiple different countries and cultures.
Senior dance member Sarah Liang said it was interesting to see the difference in training around the world.
“We had such a huge appreciation for what other teams bring,” Liang said. “It was really cool to see how everyone brings their strengths to the competition.”
The Gophers went home with a gold medal in the Pom division and a silver medal in the Jazz division.
Liang said in past years, the ICU organization would reach out and ask the team if they wanted to try out for the Team USA spot. However, oftentimes the coach would decline due to how much longer it would make their season.
Before this season, the last two times the Gophers represented Team USA were in 2014 and 2010. In 2014, the Gophers won gold in Pom and silver in Jazz, while in 2010, the Gophers won gold in both Jazz and Freestyle with a silver in Hip Hop.
Sophomore dance team member Erica Vannucci said that it was an honor to be part of Team USA and with head coach Amanda Gaines.
“It was an honor to be part of the team that she felt confident putting the title on,” Vannucci said. “Being a part of something bigger than even the UDA nationals and representing the US.”
The medals are not the only accomplishments the Gophers earned this season. The Gophers also won two titles at the 2025 UCA and UDA Championships.
They earned first in the small coed game day, second in small coed cheer, second in Jazz and first in Pom. These wins add to their long list of national titles throughout program history.
Liang has been with the Gophers’ dance team for all four years of her career at Minnesota. She said she feels extremely lucky to have her final season end this way.
“I am lucky to have been able to work hard every single month of the year,” Liang said. “That is the best part.”
Liang said that because their season was so long that it was the closest she has ever felt to a team in her four years.
Even with their highly successful season, there are still some goals and achievements Vannucci would like to see.
“Continuing to push for further innovation in the dance world,” Vannucci said. “Seeing how we can create dances that are more than just a show of athletic ability, but mean something deeper to the audience.”
