Catholic League championships are rare.
State titles are even harder to win.
But national championships? Those things are extremely rare.
You’d never know that if you’re a fan of St. Hubert High School, where every year or so, it seems Lisa McNesby’s Bambies bring home a national crown.
This year was no different.
Competing at the National School Spirit Championship in Orlando, the Bambies brought home another crown when the JV non-tumbling team, better known as JV Gold, knocked off Ursuline Academy by 0.1 points to win the championship. That was the only title, but far from the only great achievement.
The Large JV team, JV Brown, took third in its competition and the varsity team finished fourth in the nation in its bracket.
“As a senior, this performance at Nationals hit me much harder than I expected,” said Ella DeNofa, a base from Torresdale. “Standing behind the curtain next to 25 of my best friends, preparing to take the mat together for the final time, was a moment I wasn’t fully ready for. On the morning of semifinals, my sister, who also cheered for St. Hubert, reminded me to pause, reflect and count my blessings, and that is exactly what I did before stepping onto the mat. In that moment, the performance became about more than just winning.
“It was about sharing one last experience with a group of girls who mean the world to me. Even though we did not finish in first place I would not trade this team or that moment for anything.”
“Performing at nationals means everything to me. We get to show off our abilities and strengths that we have been practicing all season, within 2 minutes and 30 seconds,” said Isabella DiDonato, a base from Pine Valley. “This one specifically meant a lot because it was my last time ever performing with my team as a St. Hubert’s varsity cheerleader.”
Winning a championship at any level means a lot, but to do it at nationals is special.
Still, it’s not the most special thing when it comes to what these girls did. It wasn’t about what they did while in Orlando, it’s what they’ve done since walking into St. Hubert.
“Cheering at St. Hubert means being part of a true sisterhood,” said Brelyn Whitely, a flyer from Pennpack Woods. “It’s about building strong friendships, supporting one another and learning what it means to be a teammate both on and off the mat. Through cheer, I’ve grown in character, ambition and perseverance by pushing myself through challenges and holding myself to a higher standard.
“I am extremely proud of the team after our great performance. I’m proud of how we came together as one, trusted each other and supported one another through every moment.”
“Being a St. Hubert’s cheerleader has taught me professionalism, perseverance and the importance of working hard and giving everything your all,” said Rachel Forbes, a base from Pine Valley. “These lessons were learned through experience and cannot be taught in a classroom. Being a Bambie cheerleader extends far beyond the mat. We are still incredibly close, and the friendships we built will last a lifetime. I am so proud to say that I was part of this program, and I will always wear ‘Bambies’ across my chest with pride.”
Wearing St. Hubert gear in Philly will get you a warm smile.
And now, if you head to Florida around the Super Bowl, you’ll probably be greeted with the same, and not just because the Bambies always send three teams to the elite competition.
It’s also because the Bambies act the same way in Disney World as they do on Torresdale Avenue, so even people who have never been to Philly will cheer the deer.
“The most memorable part of cheering for St Hubert’s so far was the fans,” said DiDonato, who will attend Penn State next year. “I will never forget going to the PIAA State Competition and UCA Nationals and there are people from all over the state and country saying, ‘Oh my gosh, those are the Bambies’, ‘Look! It’s the Bambies’, ‘Can we get a picture with the Bambies?’ Hearing that makes me feel so accomplished because we don’t win every year, but people still look for us and acknowledge our hard work and efforts.
“It’s truly hard to understand from an outsider perspective, but the St Hubert cheerleading program is genuinely full of some of the best people I have ever encountered. I’ve made lifelong friendships from this program and taken with me lessons I’ll use forever. The girls, the coaches, the parents and fans are all full of love and I have never been more proud to be a part of something my whole life.”
“While St. Hubert is known for its cheerleaders, the coaches of these amazing athletes deserve just as much recognition,” said DeNofa, who is bound for University of Alabama in the fall. “Lisa, along with the other coaches, are the reason why this program is as successful as it is and it is an honor to be coached by them. Thank you Erin McShea, Kelly McShea, Colleen McShea, Caitlyn Hillman, Taylor O’Connor and Lauren Fong for everything you have taught me and all the times you have believed in me. SHLJV is lucky to have coaches like you.”
It’s true, the world loves the Bambies. But if you think they’re just crushing it on the mat, you don’t know the half of it.
“Through cheer, I’ve grown in character, ambition and perseverance by pushing myself through challenges and holding myself to a higher standard,” said Whitley, who will major in radiology technology at Holy Family. “St. Hubert cheer isn’t just about performances or winning. It’s about representing our school with pride, lifting each other up and becoming confident, determined young women together.”
“Ever since I was a little girl at St. Albert the Great School, I looked up to St. Hubert’s cheerleaders and dreamed of being like them someday,” said Forbes, who will major in biology and chemistry at Penn State. “I remember watching St. Hubert’s Varsity win in 2017 and being completely in awe. I attended their summer camps and counted down the days until I could one day be a St. Hubert’s cheerleader.
“After cheering for 12 years, I learned that every cheerleader strives for the coveted white jacket — something many never get the chance to earn. After this incredible season, I am proud to say I now have two. Winning Nationals my freshman year, the first time JV Gold ever won in its division, was an unforgettable moment. Being part of the team when we won again made it even more special.”
