Cheerleading has become an integral part of college sports and has gained immense popularity over the years. The best college cheerleading teams have brought a new level of excitement to NCAA division sporting events across the country. These teams are not only known for their impressive stunts and routines but also for their unwavering support of their respective schools and sports teams.
College cheerleading is not just a fun activity but also a serious sport that requires a lot of hard work, dedication, and practice. Cheerleaders are not just dancers on a dance team but also athletes who have to maintain their fitness levels to perform at their best. Many colleges offer scholarships to cheerleaders, which helps in reducing the cost of tuition and other expenses. The National Cheerleaders Association (NCA) and the Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA) organize national championships every year, where the best college cheerleading teams compete against each other.
The Best College Cheerleading Teams in the United States
Making the move from the high school cheer team (also called spirit squad in some schools) to college is a big change. In recent years, the competition has become even more tight. The goal for many cheer athletes is to land a spot on one of the most competitive teams at one of the best colleges. So, what are those colleges? Let’s take a look.
Division I
The Division I cheerleading teams are some of the most competitive in the country, with high-energy routines and impressive stunts. Some of the top Division I programs include:
- University of Kentucky: Known for their impressive tumbling and stunts, the Kentucky Wildcats cheerleading team has won 24 national championships.
- University of Alabama: The Crimson Tide cheerleaders are known for their precision and athleticism and have won 18 national championships.
- University of Louisville: The Cardinals have a strong tradition of excellence in cheerleading, with ten national championships to their name.
Division II
Division II cheerleading teams may not have the same level of resources as their Division I counterparts, but they still put on impressive performances. Some of the top Division II programs include:
- West Georgia University: The Wolves cheerleading team has won six national championships and is known for their impressive stunts and tumbling.
- Grand Valley State University: The Lakers cheerleading team has won four national championships and is known for its high-energy performances.
- Texas Woman’s University: The Pioneers cheerleading team has won three national championships and is known for their precision and athleticism.
Division III
Division III cheerleading teams may be smaller than their Division I and II counterparts, but they are no less competitive. Some of the top Division III programs include:
- Bridgewater State University: The Bears cheerleading team has won six national championships and is known for its impressive stunts and tumbling.
- Trinity University: The Tigers cheerleading team has won four national championships and is known for its high-energy performances.
- University of Wisconsin-Whitewater: The Warhawks cheerleading team has won three national championships and is known for their precision and athleticism.
NAIA
The NAIA may not be as well-known as the NCAA, but their cheerleading teams are still impressive. Some of the top NAIA programs include:
- Oklahoma City University: The Stars cheerleading team has won 19 national championships and is known for their impressive stunts and tumbling.
- St. Ambrose University: The Fighting Bees cheerleading team has won five national championships.
- Midland University: The Warriors cheerleading team has won three national championships and is known for their precision and athleticism.
What Makes a Great College Cheerleading Team?
College cheerleading is a highly competitive sport that requires a combination of athleticism, teamwork, and dedication. The best college cheerleading teams are ones that excel in all aspects of the sport, including stunts, routines, and school spirit.
To be successful, a college cheerleading team must have skilled athletes who are willing to put in the time and effort to perfect their craft. These athletes must be able to perform stunts and routines with precision and execute them flawlessly under pressure. They must also be able to work together as a team, supporting and encouraging each other to achieve their goals.
In addition to physical skills, a great college cheerleading team must also have strong choreography and creative routines. The team must be able to showcase their skills in a way that is both entertaining and engaging for the audience. This requires a high level of creativity and attention to detail in the planning and execution of routines.
To maintain their competitive edge, the best college cheerleading teams must have a rigorous practice schedule and access to top-of-the-line equipment. This includes safety mats, spotting belts, and other equipment necessary to ensure the safety of the athletes during stunts and routines.
Finally, a great college cheerleading team must have a strong sense of school spirit and be able to rally the crowd to support their team. They must be able to engage with the audience and create a positive atmosphere that encourages school pride and enthusiasm.
Overall, a great college cheerleading team is one that excels in all aspects of the sport, from physical skills to creativity and school spirit. It takes a combination of hard work, dedication, and teamwork to achieve success in this highly competitive sport.
The Benefits of Being a College Cheerleader
College cheerleading is a great opportunity for students to showcase their skills and support their school. Being a part of a college cheerleading team comes with many benefits that can have a positive impact on a student’s college experience.
Scholarship Opportunities
One of the most significant benefits of being a college cheerleader is the potential for a cheerleading scholarship. Many colleges offer scholarships for cheerleading, which can help offset the cost of tuition, room and board, and other expenses. These scholarships are often awarded based on skill level, academic performance, and leadership qualities.
Competitive Experience
College cheerleading teams often compete at the national level, providing students with the opportunity to showcase their skills and represent their school. Competitions can range from local events to national championships, giving cheerleaders the chance to travel and compete against other elite teams.
School Spirit and Crowd Support
College cheerleaders play an essential role in promoting school spirit and supporting their school’s sports teams. They lead cheers, perform stunts and routines, and engage with the crowd to create a fun and exciting atmosphere at sporting events. This not only helps to boost morale but also creates a sense of community and pride among students, faculty, and alumni.
Physical Fitness and Skill Development
Cheerleading requires a high level of physical fitness and skill development. Cheerleaders must be able to perform stunts, jumps, and tumbling passes with precision and control. They also need to have excellent coordination, balance, and flexibility. Regular practice and training sessions help to improve these skills and promote overall physical fitness.
Teamwork and Leadership
Being a part of a college cheerleading team requires teamwork and leadership skills. Cheerleaders must work together to perform routines and stunts, and they must also be able to lead and motivate their teammates. These skills can help students develop valuable leadership qualities that can be applied in other areas of their lives.
In conclusion, being a college cheerleader offers many benefits that can enhance a student’s college experience. From scholarship opportunities to competitive experience, physical fitness, and skill development, cheerleading provides students with a unique opportunity to showcase their skills and support their school.
Top College Cheerleading Programs
When it comes to college cheerleading, there are a few programs that stand out from the rest. These programs have a long history of excellence and have consistently performed at a high level. Here are some of the best cheerleading colleges in the country.
University of Kentucky
The University of Kentucky is widely regarded as one of the best college cheerleading programs in the country. The Wildcats have won the national title in cheerleading 24 times, including 23 in the last 35 years. The program is known for its high-energy routines and impressive stunts, and its cheerleaders are often featured on national television. The Wildcats cheer team is a coed team and brings a huge boost to UK’s game day atmosphere. The team performs at all home football and basketball games, as well as national competitions.
Davenport University
Davenport University’s cheerleading team has won 14 national championships in the NAIA division. They are a small school with a highly competitive cheerleading program and offer athletic scholarships to their team members.
Ohio State University
The Ohio State University’s cheerleading team has won 5 national championships in the coed division and 2 in the all-girls division. Buckeye cheerleaders wow the huge crowds at Ohio Stadium during home football games and are great representatives for Ohio State and its football team. The OSU cheerleaders also thrive on the national competition stage, bringing home the hardware year after year.
University of Louisville
The University of Louisville’s cheerleading team has won 2 national championships in the coed division and 1 in the all-girls division. They are known for their innovative routines and high-energy performances at home football and basketball games.
University of Alabama
The University of Alabama is another program that has a long history of excellence in cheerleading. The Crimson Tide has won 18 national championships in cheerleading, including six in a row from 2009 to 2014. The program is known for its precision and attention to detail, and its cheerleaders are highly skilled and talented.
University of Mississippi
The University of Mississippi, also known as Ole Miss, is a rising star in the world of college cheerleading. The Rebels have won two national championships in cheerleading, and their program is known for its dynamic and entertaining routines. Ole Miss cheerleaders are also known for their impressive tumbling skills and acrobatic stunts.
Texas Tech University
Texas Tech University is another program that has made a name for itself in college cheerleading. The Red Raiders have won six national championships in cheerleading, and their program is known for its high-flying stunts and impressive pyramids. Texas Tech cheerleaders are also known for their energy and enthusiasm, and they are a crowd favorite at football games.
Concordia University
Concordia University is a smaller school, but its cheerleading program is one of the best in the country. The program has won six national championships in cheerleading, and its cheerleaders are known for their technical skills and precision. Concordia cheerleaders are also known for their athleticism and creativity, and they often perform daring stunts and tumbling passes.
University of Minnesota
The University of Minnesota is another coed program that has a long history of excellence in cheerleading. The Golden Gophers have won four national championships in cheerleading, and their program is known for its innovative and creative routines. Minnesota cheerleaders are also known for their athleticism and strength, and they often perform impressive stunts and tumbling passes. They are known for their sharp choreography and dynamic performances at home football and basketball games.
University of Central Florida
The University of Central Florida is a newer program, but it has quickly established itself as one of the best in the country. The Knights have won two national championships in cheerleading, and their program is known for its high-energy routines and impressive stunts. UCF cheerleaders are also known for their athleticism and creativity, and they often perform daring stunts and tumbling passes.
These are just a few of the top college cheerleading programs in the country. Each program has its own unique style and strengths, but they all share a commitment to excellence and a passion for cheerleading.
University of South Carolina
The University of South Carolina’s cheerleading team has won 2 national championships in the coed division and 1 in the all-girls division. They are known for their precision and athleticism in their performances at home football and basketball games.
Overall, these college cheerleading teams have proven to be some of the best in the country, with numerous national championships and highly skilled team members. They bring a high level of energy and athleticism to their performances at home football and basketball games, as well as national competitions.
