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East Union tandem signs with college STUNT programs
East Union STUNT
Samantha Sena is with parents Elvira and Mark Sena after signing with the William Jessup University STUNT team last week at East Union High’s library. Courtesy photo

Last summer, Alissa DeBarros and Samantha Sena figured they were entering the final year of their cheerleading careers.

Turns out there is still much ahead for the recently graduated East Union High seniors. Last week, they were recognized at the school as

East Union STUNT
Alissa DeBarros is joined by parents Michelle Rea and Edward DeBarros after signing with the Central Methodist University STUTNT team last week at the East Union library. Courtesy photo
its first cheerleaders to sign with college STUNT teams. Sena is staying close to home and headed to William Jessup University in Rocklin, while DeBarros will be part of the inaugural STUNT squad for Central Methodist University in Missouri.

STUNT is the fastest-growing sport that takes competitive cheer up a notch, pitting two teams in four-quarter games. Each quarter consists of different disciplines — partner stunts, jumps and tumbling, pyramids and tosses and team routines.

“At the beginning of senior year, I wasn’t planning on doing anything cheer-related in college, but Mrs. (EU cheer advisor Brenda) Greenlee told me about this cheer combine and really pushed me to go,” Sena said. “I went out there and was still a little reluctant and didn’t think anything was going to happen.”

To her pleasant surprise, two schools reached out, one being the host of that cheer combine. Jessup coach Alexis Welch saw Sena as a good fit for her blossoming program and offered a partial scholarship. Sena committed last November.

Jessup, in just its second season, went on to win the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics Division National Championship Game against reigning champion Vanguard 9-8 in April. The Warriors went 3-3 in Golden State Athletic Conference play and 13-5 overall and had six All-American selections.

“I actually had never heard of STUNT,” Sena said. “(Jessup) has a new program is already doing big things, so I’m really excited to help keep that going and hopefully win another national title.”

Even sweeter, she’ll get to experience this new chapter in her life with one of her best friends. Sierra grad Natalie Rosales has also signed with Jessup’s STUNT program, and they’ve known each other since they were 6 and cheering for the Manteca Cowboys youth football organization. Anasity Anaya, a 2020 Sierra graduate, has completed her sophomore season with Jessup’s STUNT team.

“I’m really lucky and grateful that Mrs. Greenlee pushed me to go (to the cheer combine),” Sena said.

DeBarros also attended the cheer combine at Jessup and caught the eye of Central Methodist coach Kennedy Wingbermuehle.

“When I first heard about STUNT at East Union I was interested in it but never thought I could actually get any kind of scholarship for it,” DeBarros said.

She was invited for a visit to the CMU campus in Fayette, Mo. last November and committed while there. CMU is also an NAIA member and competes in the Heart of America Athletic Conference. The Eagles’ will have their first STUNT season in 2022-23.

“I had the opportunity to talk with a few students when I went on the tour there, and it really felt like home,” DeBarros said.

“I think it’s an amazing opportunity,” she added. “I thought after high school this would be it for my cheer career. I never imagined I’d still be in it in college. I’m excited to take that part of my life that I enjoy so much to the next level and compete with all these great athletes.”