Asbury University’s cheer team made program history this season, competing for the first time since its establishment in 2003, and returning home as Christian Cheerleaders of America’s All-Girl Game-Time Champions. The nationwide competition brought together teams from more than 20 states, placing Asbury on a larger stage than ever before.
The event was a milestone for not only the program itself, but also for the young women who were competing. For many, the opportunity to compete at the collegiate level has been a long time coming. Junior Mia Pace said that this is something they’ve been working towards for months, if not years.
“It felt amazing to know all of our long practice days and hard work paid off,” said Pace. “The team was so excited, and it was super sweet to get to celebrate with them and come back to Wilmore with a banner to hang in the Luce after our first collegiate competition.”
That success did not happen overnight. The team typically practices twice a week, but their commitment extended beyond that. Pace explained that she and her teammates spent additional time in the gym, watching themselves in the mirror and refining the movements. In competitive cheer, execution is everything- score depends heavily on synchronization, precision and overall cleanliness.
In addition to practices, the team also performed at many basketball games throughout the semester which allowed them to gain valuable experience in front of live crowds. While game day performances helped build confidence, the transition to being watched by judges introduced a new level of pressure.
For some athletes, this was their first time ever competing in a cheer competition. That reality brought unique challenges, which required the team to support each other through the uncertainty.
“It was definitely nerve-wracking, but it was amazing to see it all come together on the competition floor,” said Pace. “The feeling of being in the warm-up room, praying with my team, and encouraging one another is a feeling I will never forget.”
That sense of unity proved to be one of the team’s greatest strengths. While many sports require trust within a team, in cheerleading, it must be absolute.
“For a stunt to be completed successfully, every member of the stunt group has to trust that the rest of the group will do their job,” said Pace.
That trust extended beyond the mat. For the athletes, the experience was about more than competition. It was about continuing to grow their community.
“I will never forget the feeling of getting to step on the competition floor with my best friends and looking into the crowd to see our families cheering us on,” said Pace. “Our coach worked super hard to make this an amazing experience and let us know that no matter what happened on the mat, she was already proud of us.”
As the team brought home their first championship banner, the victory symbolized more than just a title. It represents the foundation of a growing program and the beginning of a new competitive legacy at Asbury. For these athletes, the win was not the end of the season but the starting point for the rest of their time here.
