The Lionettes and cheerleaders joined other spirit groups from schools across the country at the College Cheerleaders and Dance Team National Championship competition Jan. 18-20. It was hosted at the Disney World Resort, and both teams brought home national and world titles.
The Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA) and the Universal Dance Association (UDA) sponsor the competition annually, giving squads from all over the country the opportunity to display their skills and compete against some of the nation’s cheer and dance teams.
In addition to athletic games and special appearances, Southeastern spirit groups work hard year-round to prepare for the intense competition. Nationals practice sessions take place during winter break so members of the squads only have three days off during the holidays.
“They put in a lot of hours,” said Wayne New, cheer competition coach. “We practice year-round maintaining and advancing our skills.”
The cheerleaders showcased their skills in a dance, chant and stunt sequence that earned them 1st place in semi-finals in the Small Coed division. This secured their spot in the final competition.
“Our semi-finals performance was by far the best we have ever done,” said Catherine Messenger, captain.  “We had tears in our eyes walking off that mat because we knew we had given our all.”
The Southeastern squad was challenged by elite teams in their division, including Hofstra University, the University of Alabama Birmingham and George Mason University.
“It is hard to get first place in our division at nationals, but it is even harder to keep it,” said Lacey Jones, a second year veteran.
The team advanced to the final competition in first place with confidence, but  they were unable to hit all stunt sequences and ended in third place in the final round of nationals.
 “I think we became really confident and let our emotions of being on top get the best of us,” added Messenger.
The cheerleaders placed 2nd in the 2012 competition, this year’s awards marks the second consecutive year they have earned national titles.
 “I’m definitely proud of them,” said New. “Last year was my first year with the team, and we placed 2nd, but this year’s routine was three times harder. I was really pleased with their performance. They worked really hard, and I was proud of the kids to get third place at the national level.”
The Lionettes competed in Hip Hop and Jazz categories with routines less than two minutes long to upbeat tunes by popular artists including Katy Perry, Beyoncé and Nicki Minaj. The girls showed improvement in both categories from their placement in last year’s competition, in which they placed 3rd in Hip Hop and 6th in Jazz. This year’s Jazz number earned them 3rd place in their division in addition to a 2nd place position for their Hip Hop routine.
“The coaching staff is really proud of them and the hard work they put in,” added New.  “This won’t be our last win. There will be many to come.”
The cheerleaders and Lionettes will continue practicing to maintain their skills while supporting Lion athletics and preparing for tryouts in May.
For more information on spirit groups visit www.lionsports.net. The performances by both teams at nationals can be viewed online at uca.varsity.com/college_nationals.aspx.