SSF, CSM continue to hold vigil for ex-cheerleader Anjela Jose

A 2016 graduate of SSF, Jose was a cheerleader at both CSM and De Anza College before transferring to SJSU. At CSM football’s regular-season finale Sunday, the CSM cheerleaders honored Jose with a temporary memorial in their cheer area, a vigil they’ve held during both CSM home games since her death.

“She was an amazing cheerleader,” CSM cheer coach Brigitte Perreault said.

“She was a daredevil. She loved everything and anything. She was the funny one out of the group. She made everyone more alive.”

At the South City-El Camino football Bell Game played Nov. 3 at Ray DeJong Field, a moment of silence was held for Jose prior to the start of the varsity game, which was dedicated in her honor. The El Camino and SSF cheerleading squads lined up and held hands in a rare showing of solidarity in the contentious atmosphere of the annual rivalry game.

“We reunited as a city,” SSF cheer coach Donna Riguero said. “The cheerleading world is not very big … so all of us grew up together and it was a very special moment we were able to share for Anjela.”

Jose was a varsity cheerleader at SSF for three years, and took on a distinct leadership role as a senior during the 2015-16 school year. Prior to Riguero taking over as coach of the cheer squad in 2017, the program was coached by Alex Boese.

Prior to Boese taking over, the cheer squad was without a coach for several months through the fall and winter of 2015-16, according to Riguero. Jose was one of several seniors who helped organize events, such as cheering at the Bell Game and Friday night quad basketball games. Riguero said those efforts kept the SSF cheer program alive.

“If it wasn’t for those seniors, I wouldn’t have had a program to take over,” Riguero said.

Jose carried her knack for leadership to CSM, where she not only cheered for one year, but also served as one of the primary choreographers for the squad.

Several cheerleaders who were part of the club roster while Jose was there were in uniform Sunday. CSM cheerleader Danielle Daniels said one of her favorite routines choreographed by Jose was set to the Rihanna song “Work.”

“She knew how to dance and she choreographed all our dances,” Daniels said. “She was really good at putting things together. She was really willing to do things.”

A funeral service for Jose was held Thursday, Oct. 18.

“It was a really big turnout with her teammates … and coaches and teachers,” CSM cheerleader Joyce Khoury said. “It was sad because she was so young. … We’re all so young, you never think you’re going to lose a friend.”

Note to readers: This article has been edited to have Anjela Jose's name corrected.