Belmont Cheer Team Competes at National Championships

ORLANDO, Fla. – The Belmont cheerleading squad posted a top-five finish in their division as they competed at the 2026 UCA College Cheerleading National Championship last weekend in Orlando, Florida. 
 
The squad competed in the Division I Game Day Section. Their three minute routine included the school's fight song, a situational sideline cheer, and a time-out routine.  In this division, they finished in fourth place. 
 
"I am so proud of their hard work and success this season; not only for their commitment to excellence on the court and on the mat, but for their continued excellence in the classroom as well," says head coach Jessica Woody about her team. "Competing at the national level is an incredible opportunity for this program, offering an unparalleled stage for both skill development and personal growth. The intense preparation required to compete at this caliber demands a level of dedication and perseverance that will serve these athletes in all walks of life."
 
Belmont Cheerleaders – Thoughts on Nationals
 
Mallory Newsome- Senior
"Competing at UCA nationals as a senior means leading and finishing strong for this team. Being a senior competing at nationals is incredibly meaningful because it is one of the last chances to showcase the sport I began at 4 years old and we get one shot to show the countless hours, sacrificed time, and energy we have put into this routine. Every rep, correction, and encouragement has brought us closer as a team and stepping onto the mat is a celebration of this team and I am so glad to finish my collegiate career alongside such an incredible group of athletes."

Laura Spurlock- Captain, Senior
"Competing, to me, is when all of the countless practice days, hard work and sacrifices finally pay off. There is no better feeling than getting those three minutes on the mat with my best friends, doing what we love and representing Belmont together."

More information about this year's championship is available on varsity.com.