“This was the first time in UMass Boston history that UMass Boston Cheer is coming home with a national title,” said Katie Armstrong, assistant director of first-year recruitment in undergraduate admissions and the team’s advisor. “This year was a new division for us, and our athletes worked very hard to earn the spot. Our season is over a year long, with fundraisers, events, late night practices and competitions. I am proud of my athletes, and proud to represent them as their coach ”

While the team wasn’t able to practice on campus for the majority of the season, the team members drove an hour each way to nearby cheer gyms to practice three times a week. For Armstrong, this act “showed their dedication, and determination to come out on top despite this barrier all season.”  

The team’s efforts paid off, resulting in a victory both personal and competitive for some members of the squad.

“One of the biggest highlights of competing at NCA College Nationals in Daytona was not only making UMass Boston Cheerleading history by performing zero-deduction routines both days of the competition and bringing home a national championship title,” said team captain and treasurer Ella Reardon, “but being able to accomplish it with my best friends.”

For Reardon, the title was the culmination of her long cheer journey. “Even after 15 years of cheerleading, I had not won a title,” she explained. “I felt like I still had something to prove, and I did not want to retire from my cheerleading career after high school. I’m so glad I joined UMass Boston Cheer.”

Reardon pointed out that the team’s strength lies in its bond. “We are truly by each other's side through everything, and our accomplishments would not be what they are if we didn’t have each other,” she said. “Together we learn resilience, management, leadership, and obviously teamwork.”

Second-year flyer Ava Hunt similarly emphasized the sense of camaraderie the team has built.

“A highlight of competing in Daytona for me was getting to take the mat with all my best friends and perform an amazing routine and winning a national title that made UMass Boston cheer history,” Hunt said. “We are genuinely like a family. I value the countless life lessons I have learned and how everyone on the team and my coaches push me to be my absolute best self on and off of the mat.”

“I could not think of a more deserving team to have earned this NCA National Championship title,” said Reardon. “They dedicated countless hours to practices, fought through difficult scheduling, constant routine changes, and athlete injuries. I am so proud of what our team has accomplished this season.”

The UMass Boston Cheer team plans to celebrate their success by hosting a ring ceremony on campus this summer. If you are interested in joining UMass Boston Cheer for future seasons, you can find them on instagram @UMassBostonCheer or send them an email at umbcheer@gmail.com.