Three Cathedral Catholic alumni reached the pinnacle of collegiate dance last week, helping the Ohio State Dance Team capture a national championship at the 2026 UCA & UDA College Cheerleading and Dance Team National Championship in Orlando, Florida.

Hailey Meyers ’23, Gianna Mojonnier ’24, and Emma Hellenkamp ’23 were part of an Ohio State spirit program that delivered one of the most dominant performances in the country, winning multiple national titles and further cementing the Buckeyes as a national powerhouse.

Most notably, Ohio State’s dance team was crowned the Division IA Jazz National Champion, earning a score of 96.7833 to finish ahead of LSU and Minnesota. The title marked the program’s third consecutive Jazz championship and sixth in the last seven years. The Buckeyes also posted the highest scores in both the preliminary and semifinal rounds. The emotionally charged, high-speed routine, inspired by Black Swan, once again showcased why Ohio State’s Jazz performances continue to captivate audiences nationwide.

In addition to the Jazz title, OSU Spirit Team, which is composed of the Cheer Team, Dance Team, and Brutus the Buckeye Mascot, also won the Championship for D1A Spirit Program Game Day, their 3rd consecutive win. The Buckeyes also placed third in Division IA Pom, finishing behind Minnesota and Texas Tech.

For Cathedral Catholic, the moment was especially meaningful because Ohio State junior Meyers and Hellenkamp, along with sophomore Mojonnier, played key roles on one of the nation’s most decorated collegiate dance teams. Their success reflects not only their individual talent but also years of dedication, resilience, and preparation that began long before they stepped onto the national stage.

Hailey Meyers reflected on the journey and the bond within the team:
“Year 3 at UDA Nationals, and I truly don’t have the words for how much I love this team… The hours and hard work we’ve put in together are honestly unimaginable, and what makes it even more special is that no matter how we were feeling, we always showed up for each other without hesitation. This team will always have my heart.”

Emma Hellenkamp echoed that sentiment:
“This year was everything I could’ve imagined it to be. I feel so lucky for the platform to show our love for dance and each other… Beyond proud of us, and as always, I feel so lucky to be a Buckeye.”

Cathedral Catholic Athletics proudly celebrates Hailey Meyers, Gianna Mojonnier, and Emma Hellenkamp for representing the Dons with excellence on one of the biggest stages in collegiate athletics. Their national championship achievement is a powerful reflection of their talent, dedication, and the strong foundation built during their time in the red and gold. While at Cathedral Catholic, all three played integral roles in the Dons’ 2023 National Championship, continuing a legacy of excellence that now shines at the collegiate level.

Cathedral Catholic’s impact on the national stage extended beyond Ohio State. The alum group photo also features Sofia Mah ’24 and Sophia DeRienzo ’23, who each delivered standout performances at UDA College Nationals with their respective programs. Mah, a sophomore at Washington State University, helped the Cougars earn 8th place in Division IA Jazz and 8th place in Division IA Hip Hop. At the same time, Derienzo, a junior at Penn State, contributed to a 12th-place finish in Division IA Jazz and an impressive 6th-place result in Division IA Pom.

The success of Cathedral Catholic’s alums at the collegiate level reflects the program’s sustained excellence. The Cathedral Catholic Dance Team captured the 2023 WCE Grand National Championship, earning Highest Scoring Routines in Small Jazz, Small Lyrical, and Medium Lyrical. Individually, the dancers’ achievements are equally remarkable:

•   Hailey Meyers — 2022 WCE Dancer of the Year, National Solo Champion
•   Emma Hellenkamp — 2023 WCE Dancer of the Year, National Solo Champion
•   Gianna Mojonnier — 2024 WCE Dancer of the Year, National Solo Champion

Cathedral Catholic Athletics proudly celebrates Hailey Meyers, Gianna Mojonnier, and Emma Hellenkamp, along with all Dons alums, for representing the program with excellence on one of college athletics’ biggest stages. Their continued success is a testament to their talent, work ethic, and the championship foundation built during their time in the red and gold.