Apr 13, 2021 Memphis, Tenn., April 12, 2020 – Varsity Spirit – the global leader in cheerleading, dance team and band apparel, camps and competitions, and a division of Varsity Brands, the market leader in team sports, school spirit and achievement recognition — is pleased to announce that Oklahoma State University and University of Louisville cheerleading teams, and Texas Tech University, University of South Carolina and Brigham Young University dance teams, among others, secured first place finishes at the 2021 NCA & NDA Collegiate Championship, respectively. The elite competition, produced by the National Cheerleaders Association and National Dance Alliance, took place this weekend in Daytona Beach, Florida – the 40th anniversary of the championship and the 25th anniversary of the event being held in Daytona Beach. This past weekend, college cheerleading and dance teams traveled from across the U.S. to compete oceanside at the historic Bandshell in hopes of winning a national title. The event hosted 90 teams in the cheerleading divisions and 76 teams in the dance team divisions. As the health and safety of the athletes, coaches, employees, families, and fans remains a top priority, the event was held in a modified format following the guidelines of the CDC, state and local authorities and Varsity Spirit’s Health and Safety team. The event also hosted 41 teams in the virtual cheerleading divisions and 39 teams in the virtual dance divisions. Cheerleading teams are judged on their stunting and tumbling skills, crowd-leading ability, and overall performance, while the dance competition is judged on choreography, technique, execution, and overall effect. The College Game Day divisions, which offer cheer and dance teams the chance to recreate their performances from the sidelines are the newest divisions and have greatly expanded since they debuted in 2017. “Historically, teams from across the country come together at the NCA & NDA Collegiate Championship to showcase their skills and represent their universities. Last year, we cancelled the event in Daytona Beach to protect the health and safety of the athletes, coaches, spectators and all involved,” said Bill Boggs, Sr. VP and Director of NCA & NDA College Programs. “Between 2020 and 2021, these athletes have spent hundreds of hours raising spirit in new and innovative ways, leading crowds creatively and safely at games, and supporting their schools’ athletic teams either from the stands or from home. It’s truly an honor to be back safely hosting this event, in person and virtually, where we can recognize these young people for their hard work, dedication and talent.” Division National Champions Included: Adv. Large Coed DI-A: Oklahoma State University Adv. Small Coed DI-A: University of Louisville Adv. All Girl DI-A: University of Louisville Adv. Large Coed DI: Weber State University Adv. Small Coed DI: Kennesaw State University Athletic Association Adv. All Girl DI: Utah Valley University Adv. All Girl DII: Oklahoma Baptist University Adv. All Girl DIII: Alma College Adv. Large Coed Open: Southwestern Christian University Adv. Small Coed Open: Lindenwood University Adv. Small Coed NAIA: Central Methodist University Adv. Large Coed Junior College: Trinity Valley Community College Adv. Small Coed Junior College: Dodge City Community College – Conqs Cheer Game Day DI: Southern Methodist University Game Day Open: University of West Florida Team Performance DIA: University of South Carolina Team Performance DI: Sam Houston State University Team Performance DII: Davenport University Team Performance DIII: Alma College Team Performance Junior College: Blinn College Pom DIA: Texas Tech University Pom DI: Stephen F Austin State University Pom Open: Dallas Baptist University Jazz DIA: Texas Tech University Jazz DI: Sam Houston State University Jazz DII: Lindenwood University Jazz Open: McLennan Community College Hip Hop DIA: Brigham Young University Hip Hop DI: Weber State University Hip Hop DII: Lindenwood University Hip Hop Open: Iowa Central Community College In recognition of the 25th anniversary of the event, Volusia County and the City of Daytona Beach officially recognized April 7-11 as NCA and NDA Days. Varsity Spirit live-streamed the event all weekend on Varsity TV, and videos of the routines are available for fans who were otherwise unable to attend. Full results are available on Varsity TV. About Varsity Spirit Memphis-based Varsity Spirit, the driving force behind cheerleading’s dynamic transformation into the high-energy, athletic activity it is today, is the leading global source for all things spirit, including cheerleading, dance team and performing arts. A division of Varsity Brands, Varsity Spirit is a leader in uniform innovation, as well as educational camps, clinics, and competitions, impacting more than a million athletes each year. Focused on safety, entertainment and traditional school leadership, Varsity Spirit’s 5,000+ employees have been dedicated to celebrating school spirit through its brands since 1974. For more information about Varsity Spirit or Varsity Brands, please visit varsity.com or varsitybrands.com. About Varsity Brands With a mission to inspire achievement and create memorable experiences for young people, Varsity Brands elevates the student experience, promotes participation, and celebrates achievement through three unique but interrelated businesses: BSN SPORTS, a Varsity Sport Brand; Varsity Spirit; and Herff Jones, A Varsity Achievement Brand. Together, these assets promote personal, school and community pride through their customizable products and programs to elementary and middle schools, high schools, and colleges and universities, as well as church organizations, professional and collegiate sports teams and corporations. Through its 8,600 dedicated employees and independent representatives, Varsity Brands reaches its individual and institutional customers each year via catalog, telesales, e-commerce sites and direct sales channels. MEDIA CONTACT: Emily Zemlachenko Varsity Spirit ezemlachenko@varsity.com 901-251-5924
