Discover UMD’s new stomp and shake cheer team

Nalani Shimeles
Black Diamond Nation members at the 2026 First Look Fair on Sept. 10, 2026. (Courtesy of Black Diamond Nation)

A new stomp and shake style cheerleading team is up and running this fall, the first of its kind at the University of Maryland.

Black Diamond Nation, the University of Maryland’s latest dance and cheerleading team, aims to provide a space for students to express themselves through HBCU-style stomp and shake cheer, according to Sunny Wharton, one of the club’s presidents. 

“We’re bringing HBCU style into a PWI and hoping to really amplify Black voices,” said Sandra Okiyi, co-president of Black Diamond Nation.

The club’s founders, Okiyi and Wharton, said that they want to create a community for men and women to perform in new and interesting ways, showcase their talents and find themselves within the stomp and shake community. 

Known for its African-American roots, the stomp and shake style of cheer brings songs and chants to sporting events in an effort to bring African-American history, culture and energy to fans, according to an analysis from the Journal of Folklore Research.  

“Black Diamond Nation strives to promote school spirit, unity and pride,” said Wharton. “We want to provide team members with the opportunities of personal growth, teamwork and discipline.”

Black Diamond Nation, staffed by an e-board of eight, is drumming up interest for tryouts this Friday and hopes to rally support to perform on the court for basketball this upcoming season.

The team will host open workshops focusing on conditioning, vocal, and performance drills on Sept. 18 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Sept. 19 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Team tryouts will be held on Sept. 20 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., all in the Adele H. Stamp Student Union room BO203.

Typical stomp and shake routines rely on dance and choreography, foregoing the technicality of strict pyramids and gymnastics in exchange for powerful steps and individual expression within the group, according to stomp and shake cheerleaders at Rutgers University. This style of cheer draws its techniques from stepping, which involves clapping, body slapping, drama, and strong vocals. 

“It’s the court, it’s loud, and you hear the stomps,” Okiyi said.

Okiyi said she hopes “to make our stomps and shakes really loud, so everybody knows who Black Diamond Nation is, what we stand for and what we hope to represent.”

“Black Diamond Nation strives to create a community where anyone can come and express themselves,” said Wharton. “To give someone the sense of belonging and security through passion is all that matters.” 

CLARIFICATION: A previous version of the story referred to Wharton as Black Diamond Nation’s president and Okiyi has co-president. The story has been updated to refer to them both as co-president.