GREENSBORO, N.C. (WGHP) — North Carolina A&T State University’s Cheer Team made history for the school and Historically Black Colleges And Universities (HBCU) with their win at the three-day NCA College National Championship in Daytona Beach, Florida.
“It kind of just felt magical. It’s like it wasn’t real in the moment, but it’s like, ‘Wow … We actually thought about it. We practiced for it. We planned for it. We manifested it, and to see it actually come true is just a great feeling,” NC A&T cheerleader Janiya Croxie said.
NC A&T’s cheer team gave their all on the mat at this year’s NCA College National Championship. They landed first place in the Intermediate Small Coed Division I.
Their victory made history.
“The first HBCU for North Carolina to win this title, and then the first HBCU at all to win the Intermediate Smart Coed Division … Very huge step for HBCUs, for this program,” NC A&T Head Cheerleading Coach Daniel Kearns-Pickett said.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity, and I’m grateful to be one of the faces for HBCU cheer,” NC A&T Cheer Team Co-captain Santana Baker said.
Last year’s team made history as the first squad from the university’s cheerleading program to compete in the NCA College Nationals.
That year, they came in second place. This didn’t break their determination.
“It’s definitely been a journey. A lot of hard work … Everything you can possibly imagine has definitely hit us this year,” Kearns-Pickett said.
They came back stronger to secure a national championship title.
“When we heard that we didn’t get second, it was like a sense of relief, and all I could do is just thank God … Finally, the win that we’ve been working hard since last time we stepped into Daytona,” Baker said.
They were celebrated by their fellow Aggies when they returned to campus with the win.
“It was a great feeling for us. We’re not always the most celebrated team … Just to be able to come back and say, ‘We finally brought back … a national championship,’ and seeing … the other teams and family and friends coming out to support us … was just a great feeling,” Croxie said.
NC A&T’s cheer team looks forward to competing at the NCA College National Championship in 2025.
They will be holding tryouts starting on Friday to assemble the team for 2024-2025.
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