Cheerleading places 2nd in UCA national competition
Photo courtesy of Lee Athletic Communications
ORLANDO, Fla. – The Lee University Cheerleading program competed in the 2021 UCA & UDA College Cheerleading and Dance Team National Championships April 27-28 at the ESPN Wide World of Sports® Complex. The squad finished second in the Small Coed Game Day category and were fifth in Small Coed Division I.
"This was our sixth year competing in the traditional competition and our second year competing in gameday," said Lee head coach Jessica Frazier. "This is the highest placement in either category we have ever received. This was a great week for the Lee University Cheer program."
Lee posted a day one score of 81.1 in the Small Coed Game Day competition to sit in third. The team had the second-best raw score of the day at 90.1 points before receiving nine points in legality deductions. The University of Delaware finished the first day of competition in first with 90.0167 points with Coastal Alabama Community College in second (81.3833).
In their second day of Game Day, the Flames posted a raw score of 90.7 and had zero deductions to post a higher score than anybody else on the first day. Lee's two-day event score averaged to 85.9, but Delaware recorded a performance score of 92 and their final event score was 91.0084 to secure first place. Coastal Alabama scored 86.7 in their second performance to slip to third place with an event score of 84.0417.
In Small Coed Division I, Lee was in fourth place after the first day. The Flames had a raw score of 69 points, but they dropped to 59.75 performance score following 9.25 points in deductions for dropped stunts. On the second day, they posted a 70.9 raw score with five points of deductions for a performance mark of 65.9. Their average event score of 62.825 dropped them to fifth.
Grand Canyon University won the competition with an event score of 81. McKendree University was second (75.9), Drury University placed third (69.35) and Shorter University was fourth (67.05).
“It was definitely a year to remember in so many ways. Not all of it was easy but this team persevered and pushed through so many obstacles. In the end, they came together to do something great. God has been so good throughout this whole season and giving us the strength to place second was just the icing on the cake. Thank you to all of those that supported us and thank you to the team for making me be a better coach,” concluded Frazier.
PLAYER QUOTES
Hannah Dander- Senior Captain
“We knew this year was going to be a year of redemption We did not understand how literal it would be until we stood unified as a team and in the love of Christ the day before we competed, knowing God's blessings upon us were so much greater than even a national title could ever be. We still have more work to do, but this program has come so far, and it will only accomplish more in the future.”
Kinnady Newton- Freshman Member
“This past week has been one of the most amazing experiences I've had. Competing at UCA college nationals has been a dream of mine! I am so thankful that my team was able to compete and bring home a silver medal! We have been through so much as a team and it was such a blessing to see God's work at hand through this season.”
Ky'Anna Arthurton- Senior member
“Of all of my memories over the course of the last 4 years on this team, this past week easily tops them all. The baptisms, the silver medal, and everything in between was such an amazing demonstration of God's hand on this team. It's a great feeling being on a team where God's at the center of everything!”
Merritt Vance- Captain- Junior member
“This weekend will hold such a special place in my heart!! Finishing nationals in 2nd place wasn't even the best part, I can confidently say that we left it all on the mat and viewed it as a way of worship. I am forever grateful for the experience Lee has given us to represent the Lord through cheerleading!!! Oh and 16 people got baptized?! Praise Jesus!! This team is like no other and values family over everything.”
David Williams- Chaplain- senior member
“The Lee University Cheerleading team has went from nothing to something. This team has grown spiritually, mentally and physically. We give all glory to God. We are content but by no means satisfied.”
Caitlin Brock- Junior member
“Nationals 2021 will forever hold a special place in my heart! Although we didn't know it, God had been preparing our hearts and minds for this competition week throughout the entire season. Placing 2nd along with 16th total team baptisms the night before was above and beyond any expectations we had! We are more than ready to come back next season and take that 1st place national championship title!”
