University of the Pacific 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’s squad has 18 cheerleaders and 13 dancers. The reimagined spirit program is being led by Pacific’s new Director of Spirit & Community Engagement Andrea Sanchez-Johnson, an inaugural role that bridges Student Life and Athletics.

“Expanding the spirit program brings more energy, greater visibility and new opportunities to connect with our campus community,” Sanchez-Johnson said. “By 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.

“Our spirit program is more than just cheers and chants—it’s 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.”

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

“I thought I was done with cheer after having a negative collegiate coaching experience,” said Itzyana Guevara ’27, a communication major. “Once I heard that Pacific was adding a cheer team, I realized my love for cheer had never faded. I made the decision to transfer, and I’m 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.”

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

“The question of where I would go after high school was always on my mind, and I hadn’t yet decided which university was the best fit for me,” Gavaldon said. “When I heard Pacific was starting a cheer team, I was sold. I’m so excited to be part of something big on campus, help create new traditions and watch Pacific cheer grow.”

Sanchez-Johnson is also relaunching the Orange Army. The Orange Army is Pacific’s 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 Stockton Record, the Orange Army originated in the 1980s when former Pacific 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.

“Bridging 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,” she said.

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