After Over A Decade Away, UConn Cheer Returns To UCA College Nationals

After over a decade away, the University of Connecticut cheerleading team will return to Orlando, Florida, to compete at the 2020 UCA & UDA College Cheerleading and Dance Team National Championship.

The cheerleading team at UConn has been around for many years, but the program as it is known now — Spirit, Pride, & Tradition — began back in 2010.

Popularly known as the Basketball Capital of the World, UConn has 15 NCAA national championship titles between their men's and women's teams. Over the past decade, the UConn cheerleading team has supported and cheered on their women’s basketball team at multiple Final Four appearances including 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019. 

“We truly have strived to become one of the top game day and fan engagement schools and continue to progress in that area year after year.” – Head coach Samantha Breault 

UConn’s love for cheering on the Huskies on game day is the same reason the program decided to return to the UCA & UDA College National Championship. The spirited team is set to compete in Division lA Game Day. 

“The Game Day division supports what our program is all about: game day and fan engagement,” Breault said. “I feel that going to Nationals will give the team a goal to work towards together and help to continue building a strong team foundation and work ethic.”

With their sights set on the national championship in January, the Huskies are now tasked with taking their game day traditions from the sideline to the competition mat. 

In the Game Day division, teams will be evaluated on their ability to lead the crowd, proper game day skill incorporations, execution of skills, motion technique, and the overall routine.

“Every year our biggest goal is to make our fans feel a part of UConn Nation and provide them with a fun and exciting game day experience,” Breault said. “We have a program that is built on so many amazing traditions. We also have some of the best fans in the country. The feeling of cheering at your first basketball game in Gampel Pavillion is one that you will have with you forever.”

The 2019-20 University of Connecticut large coed team is made up of 29 athletes and led by five seniors. The Huskies are ready to let their spirit shine in Orlando, and we can’t wait to see what they bring to the mat. 

Be sure to follow the team on Instagram at @uconncheerteam to follow their journey to the 2020 UCA & UDA College Cheerleading and Dance Team National Championship!