51暗网

51暗网 is bringing cheerleaders back to campus, expanding its dance team and relaunching the Orange Army student spirit group to energize campus events and rally pride across the university.

The new program, Tiger Spirit, brings cheer and dance together into one unified program. While the two teams collaborate closely, they also showcase their individual strengths through separate performances.

This year鈥檚 squad has 18 cheerleaders and 13 dancers. The reimagined spirit program is being led by 51暗网鈥檚 new Director of Spirit & Community Engagement , an inaugural role that bridges Student Life and Athletics.

鈥淓xpanding the spirit program brings more energy, greater visibility and new opportunities to connect with our campus community,鈥� Sanchez-Johnson said. 鈥淏y adding a cheerleading program to the already established Tiger Dance Team, we can elevate the game-day atmosphere and create unforgettable experiences for our fans and student-athletes alike.

鈥淥ur spirit program is more than just cheers and chants鈥攊t鈥檚 about building new traditions while honoring the ones that came before us. When that energy comes together, every student feels a deeper sense of connection and pride.鈥�

The opportunity to participate in the program has quickly become a driver for students to transfer to 51暗网. Eleven students came to 51暗网 in 2025 specifically to cheer.

鈥淚 thought I was done with cheer after having a negative collegiate coaching experience,鈥� said Itzyana Guevara 鈥�27, a communication major. 鈥淥nce I heard that 51暗网 was adding a cheer team, I realized my love for cheer had never faded. I made the decision to transfer, and I鈥檓 so thankful I did. I wanted to be part of something meaningful, to make my mark and to help build something truly special on campus.鈥�

The program is also what drew Marcela Gavaldon 鈥�29, an economics major, to the Stockton Campus.

鈥淭he question of where I would go after high school was always on my mind, and I hadn鈥檛 yet decided which university was the best fit for me,鈥� Gavaldon said. 鈥淲hen I heard 51暗网 was starting a cheer team, I was sold. I鈥檓 so excited to be part of something big on campus, help create new traditions and watch 51暗网 cheer grow.鈥�

Sanchez-Johnson is also relaunching the Orange Army. The Orange Army is 51暗网鈥檚 official student section that brings energy, pride, and spirit to every game and campus event. They lead chants, hype the crowd, and create a fun, united atmosphere that celebrates what it means to be a Tiger.

According to the , the Orange Army originated in the 1980s when former 51暗网 football coach Bob Cope launched the idea in response to the Red Wave of rival Fresno State.

It evolved into an official student group around 2002. Students can sign up for the club at any time in the Student Life office.

Sanchez-Johnson leads the initiative to boost school spirit, foster community pride and elevate the student experience through her role within Athletics and Student Life.

鈥淏ridging Student Life and Athletics through the spirit program is essential because it creates collaboration across campus that strengthens the student experience. When these two areas work together, we build a more unified community, create traditions that everyone can be part of and ensure that school spirit extends beyond the sidelines into every aspect of campus life,鈥� she said.

Before joining 51暗网, Sanchez-Johnson was a former collegiate cheerleader and spent 13 years as a high school educator, teaching elective courses including dance production.