Southern Miss Cheer Enjoys Historic Moment at National Championships
1/30/2025 11:00:00 AM | General, Cheer
HATTIESBURG, Miss. – The Southern Miss Cheer squad recently marked a historic moment for its program by finishing in eighth place for both Gameday and Performance routines at the 2025 Universal Cheerleading Association (UCA) and the Universal Dance Association (UDA) National Championships.
It marked the first time Southern Miss sent two routines into this prestigious competition, marking an impressive finish in a highly competitive field.
Perhaps the biggest highlight of the weekend came from the Performance team's trip to the finals. This accomplishment proved impressive, especially considering the intense level of competition in their division. Reaching the finals highlights the team's dedication, preparation, and skill. This achievement also speaks volumes about the future of the program.
Adding to the significance of the Performance team's success is the fact that only three team members had ever competed a Performance routine at UCA college nationals before. This level of inexperience made the team's accomplishment even more remarkable, highlighting their rapid development and cohesion in a high-pressure environment.
The season also marked a major milestone for Head Coach Ashton Jennings, who completed her first full year leading the team. Jennings is excited about the program's future, noting that the team's growth this year has laid a strong foundation for even greater success in the seasons ahead. Her vision for the program has clearly resonated with the athletes, who are eager to continue pushing the boundaries of what they can achieve.
In the weeks leading up to nationals, alumni cheerleaders generously donated time and resources and offered encouragement along the way. Their visits, meals and morale-boosting support played a crucial role in keeping the team motivated and focused on their goals.
The team caught the reality of Coach Jennings' vision for success.
"The kids worked through the entire Christmas break practicing physically and mentally to be able to compete at this level," said Jennings. "Meanwhile, we had the opportunity to cheer at men's and women's basketball games and conduct clinics to fundraise. They should have be completely drained and in need of a break. Somehow after 48 hours being home, I was getting calls to unlock the gym. That in itself is a coach's dream, and I couldn't be prouder of their attitudes and work ethic."
Jennings also added thanks to the countless others in helping in the team's recent success.
"I want to take a moment to thank our administration, alumni, and parents for their unwavering support," said Jennings. "Our success would not have been possible without the encouragement, time, and resources that have been poured into this program. You've been a crucial part of our journey, and we're grateful for everything you've done."
One of the most exciting aspects of this year's team is its youthful energy. With 15 freshmen competing and only two retiring seniors on the competition roster, the Southern Miss cheer program is full of potential for the years ahead. This mix of experience and fresh talent has created a culture of excitement and optimism, and the team is already looking forward to building on this year's success.
Southern Miss cheer is poised for continued growth, and with a talented, dedicated team returning next year, there's no doubt that the Golden Eagles will only soar higher in the seasons to come.
It marked the first time Southern Miss sent two routines into this prestigious competition, marking an impressive finish in a highly competitive field.
Perhaps the biggest highlight of the weekend came from the Performance team's trip to the finals. This accomplishment proved impressive, especially considering the intense level of competition in their division. Reaching the finals highlights the team's dedication, preparation, and skill. This achievement also speaks volumes about the future of the program.
Adding to the significance of the Performance team's success is the fact that only three team members had ever competed a Performance routine at UCA college nationals before. This level of inexperience made the team's accomplishment even more remarkable, highlighting their rapid development and cohesion in a high-pressure environment.
The season also marked a major milestone for Head Coach Ashton Jennings, who completed her first full year leading the team. Jennings is excited about the program's future, noting that the team's growth this year has laid a strong foundation for even greater success in the seasons ahead. Her vision for the program has clearly resonated with the athletes, who are eager to continue pushing the boundaries of what they can achieve.
In the weeks leading up to nationals, alumni cheerleaders generously donated time and resources and offered encouragement along the way. Their visits, meals and morale-boosting support played a crucial role in keeping the team motivated and focused on their goals.
The team caught the reality of Coach Jennings' vision for success.
"The kids worked through the entire Christmas break practicing physically and mentally to be able to compete at this level," said Jennings. "Meanwhile, we had the opportunity to cheer at men's and women's basketball games and conduct clinics to fundraise. They should have be completely drained and in need of a break. Somehow after 48 hours being home, I was getting calls to unlock the gym. That in itself is a coach's dream, and I couldn't be prouder of their attitudes and work ethic."
Jennings also added thanks to the countless others in helping in the team's recent success.
"I want to take a moment to thank our administration, alumni, and parents for their unwavering support," said Jennings. "Our success would not have been possible without the encouragement, time, and resources that have been poured into this program. You've been a crucial part of our journey, and we're grateful for everything you've done."
One of the most exciting aspects of this year's team is its youthful energy. With 15 freshmen competing and only two retiring seniors on the competition roster, the Southern Miss cheer program is full of potential for the years ahead. This mix of experience and fresh talent has created a culture of excitement and optimism, and the team is already looking forward to building on this year's success.
Southern Miss cheer is poised for continued growth, and with a talented, dedicated team returning next year, there's no doubt that the Golden Eagles will only soar higher in the seasons to come.
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