The hit streaming docuseries Cheer centers around the 14-time NCA national champs, Navarro College; but they aren't the only squad of athletes who showcase their talents every year in Daytona. The National Cheer Association hosts dozens of collegiate squads from around the country in the annual championship competition. There are several powerhouse teams you didn't see featured on the popular Netflix reality series, Cheer.
Navarro College and their rivals Trinity Valley Community College compete in the Advanced Large Coed Junior College division of the NCA championship. For the past several years, the two schools have been the only ones competing in that particular category, which is based on their squads' sizes, as well as the degree of difficulty in the stunts and pyramids they are allowed to execute during their performances. Both schools earned final marks over 98 at the 2021 championship, reflecting skill levels that are beyond impressive. However, other schools also competed in different divisions and earned remarkable scores.
Southwestern Christian University
The 2021 NCA champions Southwestern Christian University won the Advanced Large Open All-Girls Division with their final score of 93.4042. This win came over several schools like Columbus State University, with much longer-standing cheer programs than SCU's. Located in Fort Worth, Texas, the Eagle cheerleaders have been coached by Kylie Lindsey for the past 5 years, under whom they also took home the 2019 Intermediate Large Coed title. Southwestern Christian holds annual tryouts and offers scholarships for some cheerleaders who make the team. SCU competes annually at NCA College National in the large coed and all-girls divisions. Follow the Eagles cheerleading squad on Instagram at @scu_cheerleading
Lindenwood University
Lindenwood University took home the first place win in the Advanced Small Open Coed division with a final score of 95.2667. The Lions cheer team received zero deductions for their final performance, as well as perfect ratings in both crowd leading and collegiate image. The Lindenwood University squad wowed the judges, who also gave them a 9.8 in choreography. The St. Charles, Missouri school took home a second place trophy in the Advanced Large Open Coed division with a score of 91.25. The Lions are coached by Carrie Nichols and Jarell Staten and have won a combined eight small and large division national titles since 2011. Follow the Lions cheerleading squad on Instagram at @lindenwoodcheerleading.
Dodge City Community College
Dodge City Community College received the highest Advanced Small Coed Junior College division rank with an outstanding final score of 96.3708. The 2021 championship was the first ever for this division 3 school. In fact, it was the first national championship for the entire athletic department of the Dodge City, Kansas college. The Conquistador Spirit Squad was in their first year under new head coach, Michael Brewster, when they hit their winning routine with zero deductions. This summer the 2021-2022 team attended NCA colligate cheer camp at Northwest Missouri State University where seven of its members became the first in division 3 history to be named All-Americans. The team is looking to repeat their success at this year's NCA championship in April. Follow the Conquistador Spirit Squad on Instagram at @dc3_cheer
Cheer has given a long-overdue spotlight to the often under-appreciated sport of competitive cheerleading. While its focus mainly revolves around Navarro College, there are hundreds of other amazing cheer squads across the nation that are working just as hard and achieving equally impressive feats. Some teams could wind up featured in future seasons.