Brenau University’s competitive cheerleading team won its second consecutive national title – the National Cheerleading Association title in the Advanced All Girl NAIA division on Friday.
The Golden Tigers posted an event score of 90.7750 to easily outpace the University of the Cumberlands in Kentucky by almost 5 points en route to their second NCA title.
Head Coach Bralee Housworth said this year’s championship journey was different from the first.
“There was a lot of pressure on the team this year after winning our first national championship last season,” Housworth said. “From the beginning, everyone was asking if we could go back-to-back. There were many challenges, but the team pulled through every single time and we were able to make it happen.”
In the opening round, the squad scored an 87.55 to hold a slight advantage over the Cumberlands squad that came in with an 87.000.
With the preliminary round of competition being worth only 25% of the total score, the squad leaned on its experience and responded with a championship performance by earning a finals-best 91.85 to cruise to their second consecutive crown.
“Our girls were disappointed in their performance on day one and were very hungry to defend their National Championship title,” Housworth said. “Our small deductions in prelims helped to fuel the fire in the team and push them to an amazing day two performance. The girls hit an electric finals routine that solidified our first place position”.
The squad’s preliminary and final round scores were both tops among the competing teams.
First year cheerleader Ki’Aja Hampton said the team’s focus and determination were integral to the championship run.
“Twenty-nine girls, three coaches, an unbreakable bond, and a national title to defend — through every full-out, stunt rep, and setback we came together and became NCA All-Girl Advanced NAIA back-to-back National Champions,” Hampton said. “This season wasn’t just about winning, it was about becoming a family.”
Housworth echoed Hampton’s sentiments about the team’s closeness being the key to their run.
“I’m so proud of this team for coming together as a family and bringing home another National Championship title to Brenau University,” Housworth said.
The Cumberlands squad managed an overall 85.9750 to claim second place, while Avila University in Missouri (83.7458), Missouri Baptist University (78.9917), and Rocky Mountain College in Montana (67.5208) rounded out the top five.
Photos by Sidney Chansamone for Brenau University
