Gophers Secure Back-to-Back Titles in UCA and UDA Cheer and Dance
During the recent 2026 UCA and UDA College Cheerleading and Dance Team National Championship held in Orlando, the University of Minnesota Spirit Squad achieved remarkable success. The Gophers secured back-to-back national titles in both the Cheer and Dance categories, marking a significant milestone in their competitive history.
Gophers Shine at National Championships
The University of Minnesota excelled in two major categories: the Cheer (D1A Small Coed Game Day) and Dance (D1A Pom). Their first-place finishes in both events highlight their dominance in collegiate cheerleading and dance.
Results Overview
Here are the key results for the Gophers at the championship:
- D1A Small Coed Game Day: 1. Minnesota (National Champions), 2. Memphis, 3. James Madison
- D1A Pom: 1. Minnesota (Fourth consecutive title), 2. Texas Tech, 3. Ohio State
- D1A Jazz: 1. Ohio State, 2. LSU, 3. Minnesota
- Small Coed D1A Cheer: 1. Memphis, 2. Purdue, 3. Minnesota
Goldy Gopher’s Performance
The Gophers’ mascot, Goldy Gopher, significantly improved, moving from a fourth-place finish last year to second in the mascot division. This year, the competition was fierce, with Ohio State’s Brutus Buckeye claiming first place and Tennessee’s Smokey finishing third.
Significance of the Titles
This championship not only reinforces the Gophers’ status in collegiate athletics but also signifies a historic achievement. The cheer squad celebrated its second consecutive national title, while the dance squad proudly claimed its 24th title overall.
The events took place at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, located within Walt Disney World Resort, providing an exciting backdrop for the prestigious competition. The Gophers’ success at the 2026 UCA and UDA Championship emphasizes their commitment to excellence in cheer and dance.
