DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA - TAMIU Spirit collects two 2nd place finishes in the NCA NDA Collegiate Championship in Florida over the weekend.
TAMIU Cheer Remains Historic
The Dustdevils competed against 13 different Division II Spirit teams and finished with the second highest score in program history.
With an event score of 93.76, the Dustdevils cheer team placed second place, two higher than last year's finish in the championship.
TAMIU Dance Takes 2nd Two Years In A Row
The Dustdevils Dance team finished behind Oklahoma Baptist University and ahead of Roosevelt University to collect their second 2nd place finish in the last two years.
Head Coach of TAMIU Spirit Celina Flores reflected on their performance,
"We are incredibly proud of what our TAMIU Spirit Program has accomplished this season. It was an extremely tough competition, but our athletes truly rose to the occasion and demonstrated the resilience, determination, and heart that define our program.
Our TAMIU Dance Team made its second appearance in finals, competing against 10 outstanding teams. After placing 4th in prelims, they fought their way back into the winner's circle during finals and came home as silver champions. Their perseverance and ability to perform under pressure speak volumes about their dedication and competitive spirit.
For our Cheer Team, this achievement is especially meaningful. It has been 12 long years since cheer returned to the winner's circle, with the last national title dating back to 2014. These athletes have worked tirelessly to bring the program back to this level, ultimately earning a silver medal against 14 universities. Their commitment and belief in one another made this moment possible.
The level of competition was incredibly deep, and to rise to the top among the best Division II universities in the nation makes this accomplishment even more significant. This success was truly a team effort from everyone involved.
It has also been a privilege to work alongside Assistant Coach Erika Gallegos. We complement each other exceptionally well, each taking on crucial roles within the program. She leads our dance team while I focus on cheer, and together we collaborate, support both teams, and ensure consistency across the program.
This season marks a historic milestone, as it is the first time in program history that both cheer and dance have made it into the winner's circle in the same year. We are incredibly proud of our athletes and honored to represent this university.
And while we celebrate this moment, we know the journey is far from over; the fight is only just beginning. We are coming for gold."
