Daytona, FL – The Aquinas College Cheer team traveled to Daytona Beach with determination, pride, and a shared goal of leaving everything on the mat. Competing on one of the sport's biggest stages, the team embraced both the pressure and the excitement, ready to represent their program with heart and grit.
Day one of competition didn't go exactly as planned. One stunt fell during their routine, a moment that could have shaken the confidence of any team. But instead of letting that setback define them, Aquinas chose resilience. They leaned on each other, stayed focused, and approached the rest of the day with a mindset centered on growth and accountability. Their preliminary round score of 78.4722 placed them in third, keeping them within reach of climbing higher in the standings.
Determined to improve, the team returned to practice with intensity and purpose. Every motion, transition, and stunt was sharpened. They focused on trust, timing, and execution, knowing that success on day two would come from the work they put in behind the scenes. That dedication paid off. When they took the mat again, Aquinas delivered a strong, confident performance, hitting every stunt and completing their routine without a single fall. It was a powerful reflection of their resilience and commitment to one another.
While their final score of 77.3889 ultimately placed them fourth, the result didn't overshadow the growth they demonstrated throughout the competition. The team proved that success isn't only measured by placement, but by perseverance, teamwork, and the ability to rise after adversity. Their performance in Daytona Beach showcased the true spirit of Aquinas College Cheer—resilient, united, and always striving to be better.
Coaches Comments
Head coach Sue Smith reflected on the team's journey and performance, saying, "I am so proud of the way the team performed at NCA Cheer Nationals. We increased the difficulty of our routine for this competition and they did an amazing job hitting the skills. Each athlete performed with confidence and excellence against some of the top teams in the country. After their final performance I felt a mixture of happiness for how well they did and sadness that this was our last competition of the year and the end to our season. I want to give a special thank you to our seniors who have provided leadership and mentoring to the team all year. You all will be missed. The entire week I kept thinking how thankful I was that our last event as a team was at this iconic cheerleading competition at Daytona Beach. The fun, competitiveness, and team building opportunities are unsurpassed."
