NELSON Bay schoolgirl Maddi Dwyer has mixed it with the best cheerleading dance athletes in the universe and earned the tag of world champion.
The accomplished 15-year-old recently returned from the 2025 Cheerleading and Dance World Championships in the US with her triumphant Pink Panthers team mates from the Evolution of Dance All Stars club based at Rutherford.
Maddi, a Year 10 student at Tomaree High School, was part of a group of 21 gifted dance athletes who won the International All Star Federation (IASF) Under 18 Level 5 world championship trophy at the ESPN Wide World of Sports complex in Florida.
Some 405 teams competed at the prestigious event with the Pink Panthers creating history as one of two Australian clubs to capture a world title for the first time.
The Queensland based Pure All Stars team also etched their names in the record books by winning a world title in the Opens division.
An ecstatic Maddi told News Of The Area that the world title success was the “culmination of 12 months of hard work.”
“My team at Evolution of Dance spent many hours honing our skills throughout the past year in preparation for the Worlds and it has reaped dividends,” said Maddi, who works part-time as a receptionist at Our Gym Nelson Bay.
In an entertaining final, the Pink Panthers claimed the gold medal for Australia with a dazzling 2m30secs routine that impressed the international judges.
Canadian club TR Cheer Destiny collected the silver medal with England’s Coventry Dynamite Lady Grenades picking up the bronze medal.
Showing extraordinary skills and composure in the disciplines of tumbling, stunting and dance, the Pink Panthers turned in rollicking performances to finish 16th overall from the 405 teams on display.
They secured the Under 18yrs Worlds trophy after completing their eye-catching routine twice in front of an appreciative audience.
The Cheerleading World Championship showcases the most challenging performances, positive energy and shared emotions within the All Star community.
For teams chosen to participate, an invitation to this international All Star competition stands as the highest honour – gathering the most talented athletes on a single stage.
This annual event is a dedicated tribute to the expertise, athleticism, determination and shared passion that characterise All Star cheerleading.
Under the guidance of Evolution of Dance owner and team coach Alissa Mears-Brook, the Pink Panthers have proved a juggernaut on the cheerleading dance scene – capturing a record 11 consecutive national titles.
Maddi has featured in the 2021 and 2024 national championship-winning teams and is a key member of the current squad, which comprises dancers aged between 13 and 19-years-old.
The Pink Panthers pride themselves on a tough work ethic and complete four hour sessions during the four days they train each week.
Maddi, who is also adept at touch football and netball, said there was a close bond between the Panthers dance athletes.
“We spent 15 days in Florida and balanced the intensive training with some down time before returning home to the Hunter.”
The Under 18 world champion Pink Panthers squad featured Maddi Dwyer, Makayla White, Kiarra Griffiths, Taylor Heard, Abby Nolan, Armani Turton, Montana Buckley, Emily Hobson, Ella Castle, Romie Jones, Siobhon Brown, Alora Cant, Georgie West, Ada Jackson, Eliza Callinan, Amelia Slomka, Ruby Butler, Isla Smith, Jaide McMellon, Jess Smith and Nellie Chapman.
The coaching team comprised Alissa Mears-Brook (owner), Issy Wesy and Mary Wright.
By Chris KARAS
