#United States #Orlando #Varsity Spirit #Cheerleading #Dance Teams

2025 UCA & UDA College Championships: Celebrating Excellence in Cheerleading and Dance

The excitement was palpable as college cheerleading and dance teams from all corners of the United States gathered at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Florida, from January 17-19, 2025. This elite competition, organized by the Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA) and the Universal Dance Association (UDA), attracted over 300 teams from 46 states, all vying for national titles and the opportunity to showcase their talents on a grand stage.

Highlights of the Championship

The University of Alabama, University of Mississippi, and Bowling Green State University claimed top honors in various cheerleading categories. Meanwhile, the dance teams of The Ohio State University, University of Minnesota, and University of Nevada – Las Vegas excelled to secure their respective national accolades. The event not only recognized exceptional skills in stunting and tumbling for cheerleaders but also celebrated the artistry and execution in dance performances.

Bill Seely, President of Varsity Spirit, expressed immense pride in the athletes, stating, "The dedication, discipline, and passion displayed by every team were truly remarkable." Over the weekend, an impressive audience of over 100,000 viewers tuned in from around the world via Varsity TV to support their favorite teams.

Event Overview

Throughout the competition, teams were meticulously judged based on a variety of criteria. Cheerleaders were evaluated on their stunts, tumbling, crowd-leading capabilities, and overall performance, while dancers were assessed on choreography, technique, execution, and overall effect. The Championships were not only a showcase of individual talent but also a celebration of team spirit and camaraderie.

Among the division champions, notable achievements included:

• - Division IA All Girl Cheer Champions: University of Mississippi
• - Division IA Coed Cheer Champions: University of Alabama
• - Division IA Hip Hop Champions: University of Nevada – Las Vegas
• - Division IA Jazz Champions: Ohio State University
• - Division I Pom Champions: University of Minnesota

The Spirit of Competition

Alongside the competitive events, the College Game Day Live division provided an exciting platform for spirits programs, bringing together cheer squads, dance teams, and school bands to recreate their performances and traditions live for the crowd. The atmosphere was electric as the teams showcased their hard work and preparation in front of a packed audience, setting a record for attendance at the championships.

The Road Ahead

The anticipated broadcast of the championships is set to air on ESPN2 and ESPNU in spring 2025, allowing fans to relive the exhilarating performances and inspiring moments of the event. This will provide greater visibility to cheerleading and dance competitions, reinforcing their significance in collegiate sports and culture.

About Varsity Spirit

Varsity Spirit, a Memphis-based division of Varsity Brands, plays a pivotal role in the evolution of cheerleading into a highly respected sport. As a global leader in cheer and dance, Varsity Spirit impacts over a million athletes each year through innovative uniforms, educational camps, and competitions focused on safety and performance excellence. The company continues to empower youth through sports and spirit, fostering community and pride within schools.

For more information about Varsity Spirit and its initiatives, visit varsity.com or varsitybrands.com.