HBCU cheerleading took over the 2024 National Cheerleading Association competition.
Two HBCU cheerleading squads took home National Championships in their categories and many other HBCU squads placed in the top 10 this past weekend.
N.C. A&T Aggies emerged victorious, claiming the national championship in the Intermediate small Coed Division I group. They became the first HBCU to win the Intermediate division and the first HBCU in North Carolina to win a NCA championship.
“When the results were announced, we were speechless, but finally relieved because all the time and dedication put into practicing finally paid off.” cheerleader Milani Kimble said.
They edged out second place Stephen F. Austin University with a score of 88.3 to 87.6333, the Aggies had an event score of 97.6412.
“It’s a phenomenal feeling. I’m very happy, very proud, and looking forward to doing it again,” N.C. A&T cheer coach Daniel Kearns-Pickett said. “To the Aggie community, thank you all for pouring into us and for believing in us and our motto of being better than yesterday in every aspect – physically, emotionally, and mentally.”
A&T cheer squad made their first trip to NCA nationals last year but came up just short of a national championship, placing second. This only motivated the cheer squad.
“We remembered the feeling of being runner-ups, but this year, we knew that our work, preparation, and faith would allow us to see the results we’d prayed for,” cheerleaders Jade Barnes cheerleader said, “Losing made us realize how much more work we needed to put in to ensure our victory.”
Xavier University of Louisiana (XULA) was the other HBCU to leave NCA as the national champion in the Advanced Large Coed NAIA portion. They captured its second national title in the five years of being a varsity program.
XULA outscored Westcliff 91.3375 to 89.7166, and two weeks prior, they placed second at NAIA nationals.
In 2022, XULA won its first national championship and became the first XULA team in any sport to win an NAIA-sponsored national title.
Two more HBCU programs placed in the Intermediate Small Coed Division I portion of the competition, Jackson State and Tennessee State. Jackson State placed fifth with a final score of 85.4667, and Tennessee State finished 11th.
The Morgan State Cheer Bears finished second in the All-Girl Intermediate Division finals with a score of 86.10, right behind California Baptist University, which finished with a score of 86.80.
Xavier University of Louisiana (XULA) was the other HBCU to leave NCA as the national champion in the Advanced Large Coed NAIA portion. They captured its second national title in the five years of being a varsity program.
XULA outscored Westcliff 91.3375 to 89.7166, and two weeks prior, they placed second at NAIA nationals.
In 2022, XULA won its first national championship and became the first XULA team in any sport to win an NAIA-sponsored national title.
