Newsday's All-Long Island cheerleading team 2026

Newsday Cheerleader of the Year: Ian Licavoli, Ward Melville, Coed Main Base, Sr.

Licavoli has been the backbone of Ward Melville’s recent run of excellence. His incredible strength and balance have anchored the Patriots’ flawless stunts for four years, leading Ward Melville to three straight Suffolk and state titles. He will continue to cheer at the University of South Florida.

“He’s one of the best male athletes in the sport we’ve ever seen,” Ward Melville coach Georgia Curtis said following the Patriots’ third straight state title win. “He was a leader immediately, always helping others improve and looking out for everyone. He is beloved by this team. He’s really made this Coed division a great one and been a role model for other guys to cheer.”

Nassau Cheerleader of the Year: Jasmin Lawrence, Farmingdale, Backspot, Sr.

Lawrence made a remarkable return from the full Achilles rupture she suffered in January 2025. She confidently performed round-off handspring fulls and was stronger than ever as a backspot, flawlessly executing advanced stunts to lead the Dalers to the state Class A title. She will cheer at Towson University.

“Jasmin is one of the most talented and resilient athletes I’ve ever coached,” coach Caitlin Beatrice said. “Beyond her skills, she leads by example every day, inspiring her teammates to reach their highest potential.”

Suffolk Cheerleader of the Year: Kacey Berger, Sachem East, Flyer, Jr.

Berger is a phenomenal flyer and tumbler. She makes the toughest skills look effortless and has been a key contributor to Sachem East’s run to three straight Suffolk Class A titles. Berger performs a toe touch full, as well as a round off full, a hand-hand full and a cartwheel full.

“Kacey has mastered many super elite skills as a flyer and definitely stands out while she is in the air,” coach Victoria Aghabekian-Edsell said. “She is in every partner stunt and pyramid and has performed all of our elite skills as a flyer for all her four years on varsity.”

FIRST TEAM

Alex Cerna, Whitman, Coed Stunter, Sr.

Cerna is a dynamic force on the mat, bringing elite-level energy and performance every time he competes. He made the transition from football to cheer and became an outstanding stunter.

Lyla Giarrizzo, Mount Sinai, Flyer, Jr.

Giarrizzo combines elite body control, confidence and precision to execute high-difficulty skills under pressure. She helped lead Mount Sinai to the state Class C title.

Reese Gillen, Farmingdale, Main Base, Sr.

Gillen is a cornerstone of Farmingdale’s success. Her strength and precision allow her to execute some of the most difficult stunts with consistency.

Mya Grayson, Freeport, Main Base, Sr.

Grayson performs all super elite skills and tumbling and is an undeniable presence on the mat. Her excellent execution and confidence helped Freeport win its third straight Nassau Coed title this season.

Kaitlyn Lieberman, Smithtown West, Side Base, Sr.

A four-year varsity cheerleader, Lieberman is an incredibly strong side base with excellent tumbling skills. She brings unmatched energy to the mat.

Lizzie Marino, Floyd, Flyer, Sr.

The University of Oregon commit is an elite flyer and tumbler. She performs elite skills such as a standing full, cartwheel full and Arabian through to full with great precision.

Carmela Mehale, Mepham, Main/Side Base, Jr.

As an elite main and side base with elite tumbling ability, the four-year cheerleader provides strength, consistency and leadership in every routine.

Katie Park, Hauppauge, Side Base, Jr.

Park began her career as an outstanding flyer and successfully transitioned to a side base this season, quickly developing the strength and technique to stunt elite-level skills. She helped Hauppauge to the Suffolk Class B title.

Mia Stimac, Division, Main Base, Sr.

A five-year main base, coach Cristen Marcy called Stimac “the heart and soul” of Division’s cheer team. Marcy said Stimac is the first main base on Long Island to complete a two-man front pop into a double dragon in the pyramid. She helped Division to the Nassau Class B title.

Ava Verderosa, West Islip, Main Base, Sr.

The Morehead State University commit is a dynamic athlete with elite tumbling. Verderosa is a strong and relentless main base who elevates those around her. 

 Newsday Coach of the Year: Laurie Kolodny, Freeport

Kolodny’s dedication to cheerleading is unmatched. The 37-year coach led Freeport to its third straight Nassau Coed title. The Dean of Long Island cheer coaches has had an impressive run throughout her career — always in the upper echelon of programs. The Red Devils finished 0.8 points behind Ward Melville in the state final.

"There are expectations in our program and the athletes hold themselves to a very high standard," Kolodny said. "I love my athletes and the way they put in the work all year to achieve."

Nassau Coach of the Year: Jamie Bouretis, East Meadow

She has turned the program into a contender, winning the school's first Nassau title in the Game Day division in the fall and finishing second in traditional cheer over the winter. In only her third year as head coach, Bouretis led the Jets to the UCA National finals at Walt Disney World Resort, where they finished eighth in Game Day.

"Over the last three years, we’ve built a culture of accountability and commitment," Bouretis said. "We’ve really grown into a program that understands what it takes to succeed at this level. There’s a sense of flow and trust now. Everyone knows their role and what they bring to the team is unique."

Suffolk Coach of the Year: Kelly Unterweiser, Connetquot

The longtime head coach has guided the program to the Divisional UCA Northeast Regional championship in six of the past nine years, including 2024 and 2025. Connetquot has been a staple of the Suffolk Class A championship nine years in a row.

“We have incredibly talented athletes that hold themselves accountable and it makes our job easier,” said Unterweiser, in her 11th year. “I have a dedicated coach in assistant Amanda Iovino, who’s helped our girls reach their potential.”

SECOND TEAM

Richard Bello, Whitman, Coed Stunter, Sr.

Cameron Buckstein, Sachem East, Side Base, Jr.

Callia Chung, East Meadow, Flyer, Sr.

Gianna Coppolino, Smithtown West, Side Base, Soph.

Krista Cummo, Hauppauge, Main Base, Jr.

Samantha Denis, Connetquot, Flyer/Side Base, Jr.

Victoria Ducatelli, Island Trees, Main Base, Sr.

Riley Duggan, Division, Flyer, Soph.

Stefani Felber, Smithtown East, Flyer, Sr.

Madison Grego, Mount Sinai, Main Base, Sr.

Olivia Macklin, Oceanside, Flyer, Jr.

Dakota Mauro, Farmingdale, Flyer, Sr.

Sophia Mazzola, St. Anthony’s, Backspot, Sr.

Samantha Morelli, Rocky Point, Backspot, Jr.

Michael Muoio, Valley Stream North, Coed Backspot, Sr.

Kaylee Murphy, Ward Melville, Flyer, Sr.

Luca Palumbo, Smithtown East, Coed Main Base, Sr.

Victoria Pelliccione, West Babylon, Backspot, Sr.

Liliana Romano, Sachem North, Flyer, Jr.

Victoria Sepulveda, Division, Flyer, Sr.

Alexis Sewer, Freeport, Side Base, Sr.

Brianna Sidoti, Seaford, Flyer, Sr.

Adrianna Tavolaro, Rocky Point, Flyer, Sr.

Ryan Walker, Sayville, Coed Base, Sr.