19-04-2025
NC A&T State University cheerleaders make history with back-to-back national championship wins
GREENSBORO, N.C. (WGHP) — North Carolina A&T State University works hard to make cheerleading look easy.
The university's cheerleading program has cemented its place in history as a repeat winner in the National Cheerleaders Association and National Dance Alliance College National Championship, according to a press release from N.C. A&T.
With a final event score of 95.0093 and no deductions, the N.C. A&T team took first place again in the Intermediate Small Coed Division I group for this year's event, held April 9-13 in Daytona, Florida.
While their group of 10 included two other North Carolina teams — Western Carolina University and the University of North Carolina at Wilmington — no other historically Black colleges or universities competed in that division.
Last year, the Aggie cheerleaders became the first HBCU team to win this division title and the first HBCU team in North Carolina to win an NCA National Championship, the press release states.
This year, A&T was the only HBCU to win a division title in what is considered the premier collegiate cheerleading and dance championship in the United States.
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'We understood that if we were the best in 2024, then we had to push to ensure we stay the best in 2025,' said Daniel Kearns-Pickett, the Aggies' head cheerleading coach. 'Getting to the top is one thing, but staying at the top is a whole new process.'
'Being able to see how hard myself, teammates, coaches and trainers have put into this two-minute and 15-second routine was all worth it,' said squad member Christion Drew. 'All I could expect from Day 2 was perfection.'
After missing first place by less than one point in their first competition appearance in 2023 but making a comeback win in 2024, the Aggies focused on their program motto, 'Better Than Yesterday,' calling this 'Peak Season' when they pushed themselves to new heights.
'It wasn't just about chasing another win — it was about proving to ourselves and everyone else that we deserved to be there,' said squad member Jaimee Standfield. 'The grit we showed, the challenges we overcame, and the way we came together made this moment even more powerful. This victory was earned, and it's something we'll carry with pride forever.'
The Aggies' history-making repeat also makes a statement that transcends cheerleading, Drew said. 'I hope all Black and brown bodies get to see this routine and see themselves that they belong,' he said. 'Disrupt spaces, let them see you, because when they do, greatness comes about.'
The 2024-25 squad members are co-captains Santana Baker, Tanasia Lemon and Kennedi Stevens, along with Taylor Allen, Jade Barnes, Madisyn Burnette, Katie Cantey, Sydney Cooke, the Drews, Nia Fletcher, Dasani Flowers, La'Kay Hardy, Jaedyn Harris, Isaiah Herbin, Jaida Hines, Aydra Hooper, Ni'Yarah Horton-Washington, Anaya Hutchins, Breyanna Hutchinson, Rokell Johnson, Jazzmya Jones, Milani Kimble, Madison Manley, Anton McPhatter, Carter Powell, Jordyn Shaw, Standfield, Myles Taylor, Ava Wilson, Morgan Young and KJ Zellous.
Watch the Aggies' winning routine here.
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