Meet the owner

Hi, I’m Ariana—the founder and lead instructor of Advance Athletics LLC! With a background in collegiate and professional cheerleading and years of instructing, I bring energy, clarity, and connection to every session. I’ve coached in over a dozen states, working with athletes of all levels to build and sharpen skills. I pride myself on being approachable and hands-on, while supporting athletes in reaching their goals.

As a Licensed Master Social Worker, I care deeply about the well-being of young athletes—not just their performance, but their growth as people. Cheerleading is more than a sport; it’s a powerful outlet for building confidence, expanding access to opportunities, and encouraging personal growth. I’m passionate about creating spaces where athletes feel supported, are inspired to dream bigger, aim higher, and believe in what’s possible—on and off the mat.

Built through experience

  • University of Connecticut Cheerleader

    2017-2021 Full-Time Student Athlete

    I cheered all four years of undergrad at UConn, gaining experience in high-level, D1 collegiate athletics while representing the basketball capital of the world. As a senior, I served on the leadership team as the academic mentor, helping teammates balance performance and academics.

  • National Cheerleaders Association (NCA)

    2020-2025 Instructor

    In 2020, I was proudly selected to be an NCA Instructor, which led to countless opportunities to coach athletes across the Northeast. I’ve completed annual intensive training in stunting, safety, and team leadership, and was honored with the Top Veteran Award for the 2023 camp season.

  • NBA Boston Celtics Professional cheerleader

    2022-2023 Stunt Team Member

    After a selective audition process, I was honored to join the Boston Celtics Green Team in 2022—an elite stunt-based NBA performance squad. While completing graduate school, I commuted from Connecticut to Boston multiple times weekly, pushing my limits and performing at the professional level.

    Disclaimer: Advance Athletics is an independent business, not affiliated with or endorsed by any teams or organizations depicted.

Trained & TrusteD

Here at Advance Athletics, we prioritize safety, excellence, and professionalism in every session. As a fully registered and insured business in the state of Connecticut, we are committed to delivering high-quality instruction with integrity and care.

  • Developed in partnership with the CDC to ensure safe recognition and management of concussions in student athletes.

  • This course is designed to provide general information on mental health awareness.

  • This class equips students to recognize and care for a variety of first aid breathing and cardiac emergencies involving adults, children, and infants. It is designed for students who need a certification that satisfies OSHA workplace or other regulatory requirements.

  • Required to work with youth in Connecticut.

  • The USA Cheer Safety and Risk Management Course is the full course required for most state activities and athletic associations, as well as meeting college requirements for insurance coverage.

    This course covers the topics of safety awareness, legal responsibilities, medical responsibilities, environmental safety factors, safety equipment, spotting, performer readiness, skill progressions, and levels of participation.

  • In association with the Special Olympics, this certification contains a comprehensive training that covers being an active coach, working with young athletes, creating a positive experience, motivating athletes, and the benefits of athletic participation.

  • The USA Cheer Coaching Young Athletes Course covers the role of a youth coach, being an active coach, working with your athletes, creating a positive experience, motivating athletes, and the benefits of athletic participation.

  • This course is intended to provide an understanding of bullying, hazing, physical and emotional misconduct and appropriate ways to handle and respond to a report of or suspicion of abuse.

  • This program is led by knowledgeable business instructors who provide resources, support, and motivation.