Daytona Beach, Florida- Texas A&M International University's Spirit Program made waves at one of the biggest and most prestigious collegiate cheer and dance competitions in the nation—the NCA/NDA Collegiate Nationals, held April 11–13 in Daytona Beach, Florida. Both the Cheer and Dance teams represented TAMIU with pride, passion, and power, going head-to-head with some of the best programs across the country.

TAMIU Cheer Returns to All-Girl Division with Historic Performance

This year marked a significant return for TAMIU Cheer as they competed in the All-Girl Division for the first time since 2017. Facing off in one of the largest and most competitive divisions of the competition—with 19 universities—TAMIU Cheer delivered a standout performance during prelims, earning the highest score in program history with a 95.89, which placed them in 4th going into finals. Incredibly, the top four teams were separated by just one point or less, making it a razor-thin race to the top.
Heading into finals, the team was locked in and ready to fight for a spot in the winner's circle (top three). Though the team didn't hit a zero-deduction routine during their final performance, resulting in a 5th place national finish, the accomplishment was massive. It marks TAMIU Cheer's second-highest placement since winning the National Championship in 2014.

The team was proud of their showing, especially against a stacked division of 19 schools. Hungry and motivated, the cheer team is already looking ahead to Daytona 2026, with their sights set firmly on bringing a title back to Laredo.

TAMIU Dance Makes Program History in Team Performance Division

TAMIU Dance brought double the energy this year, competing in two divisions: Team Pom and Team Performance. The team gave a strong showing in Team Pom, falling just two spots short of making finals. While that stung briefly, the team quickly shifted focus to Team Performance, knowing this was their last chance to make program history.

The Team Performance division, which combines jazz, pom, and hip-hop, was new territory for TAMIU. With high stakes and hearts pounding, the girls put out a powerful performance in prelims. As the announcer called the top 4 teams moving on to finals, the entire program held their breath—and then came the moment of triumph: "TEXAS A&M INTERNATIONAL" was called. The reaction was pure joy—screams, tears, and celebration erupted as TAMIU Dance advanced to finals for the first time in program history.

On finals day, the girls delivered a performance filled with passion and precision. Their energy lit up the stage, and the pride was palpable. During the awards ceremony, as 4th place was announced and it wasn't TAMIU, excitement built again. When 3rd was called—and it still wasn't TAMIU—the realization hit: TAMIU Dance had placed 2nd in the nation, finishing as National Runners-Up behind Davenport University.
Against a field of 10 teams in Pom and 8 in Team Performance, TAMIU Dance broke barriers and made program history. The team now looks to the future, aiming to make finals in both divisions and ultimately bring home an NDA National Title. From the Head Coach's Perspective
"As Head Coach of the TAMIU Spirit Program, I couldn't be more proud of what our teams accomplished in Daytona. They represented TAMIU and the City of Laredo with honor, heart, and unmatched energy. Placing top 5 in the nation for both cheer and dance is no small feat, especially considering how hard our students work outside the gym. Most of them are full-time students with full-time jobs, yet they show up to every practice ready to give their all.
What makes me proudest is the culture we've built—a culture of unity, integrity, and sisterhood. Cheer and Dance are sister teams, and watching them support one another, genuinely cheer each other on, and celebrate each other's success is something truly special.
I am beyond grateful to share this journey with Coach Erika Gallegos Lopez, who has been instrumental in our success. As alumni of this very program, we both share the same vision—to make TAMIU Spirit one of the best in the nation. We lead by example, and we're driven by a shared passion for this program's growth.
As we wrap up the season, I want to thank TAMIU Athletics Administration for their trust and continuous support. I also want to honor every coach and athlete who came before us. Your hard work laid the foundation for this success. This season, and everything we've accomplished, is a tribute to you.
We're just getting started—and we can't wait to make you even prouder next year."