By: Allie Edwards

Welcome to Daytona Beach, Florida – where tourists explore, residents relax and collegiate cheerleaders and dancers experience the peak of their competitive career.

That’s right – this week, Daytona Beach isn’t your typical vacation destination. Though the atmosphere is picturesque, it merely enhances the unmatched athletic ability displayed on the competition floor. From April 7 – 10, the shoreline will be painted with pride as college cheerleaders, dancers and mascots showcase a year’s worth of hard work. All eyes will be on the world-renowned “Band Shell,” as it plays host to one of the most prestigious collegiate competitions in the country.

Whether you’ve made the trip to Florida, or you’re a fan at home – you can count on catching some serious action. And to give you a head start, we’ve highlighted some teams to watch. They’re strong, passionate and equipped with an impressive championship history.

NCA Collegiate Championship

Division 1 A – Coed

Oklahoma State University: Stillwater, Oklahoma
Can you say, “powerhouse?” The cowboys are back and better than ever. They never fail to entertain the crowd with innovative stunts, solid tumbling and an overall visual routine. They always set the bar high with a difficult pyramid and hold the audience’s attention with top-notch skill. You can see it in their eyes and hear it in their voices – this team’s got heart. With 7 D1A titles under their belt (since 1983), they’re sure to rock the Band Shell yet again in 2016. Be sure to keep an eye out for a crowd favorite, Pistol Pete.

Division 1 A – All-Girl

University of Louisville: Louisville, Kentucky
They’ve got history, yes they do. The Louisville Cardinals are no strangers to the game, racking up 4 in the D1A All-Girl division. Synchronization is one of their strong suits and it can be seen in everything from group stunts and baskets to tumbling and jumps. It’s obvious that these athletes are a tight-knit family, as they function beautifully as one unit on the Daytona Beach stage. Rallied on by a flock of avid fans, the ladies exude a contagious energy that leaves the audience wanting more.

NDA Collegiate Championship

Division 1 A – Team Performance

University of Louisville: Louisville, Kentucky
As masters of Jazz, Pom and Hip Hop, the University of Louisville’s got it all. They prove that the Cardinal program is a force to be reckoned with, both in the cheer and dance worlds. The dancers will captivate the audience with creative lifts, flashy visuals and solo spotlights. Last year, they were a young team and still took home the title. It will be interesting to see how they’ve grown and flourished as a team.

Division 1 A – Hip Hop

Brigham Young University: Provo, Utah

BYU’s their name and hip hop is certainly their game. A history of success carries them all the way from Utah. BYU is celebrated for innovation and musicality. Every season, their new and exciting concept brings fans to the edge of their seats. The cougars’ routine typically involves an array of partnering, tricks, visuals and something unexpected. They’ve got something up their sleeve – perhaps a group build or full team illusion. So sit back, relax and prepare to be surprised by these long-defending national champions.

So get ready, fans. This year is shaping up to be one of the most competitive championships yet! Follow the action on social media at @NCAupdates & @NDAupdates on Twitter or @NCAcheer & @NDAdance on Instagram.

All event coverage, including updated performance orders, behind-the-scenes photos and up-to-the-minute results can be found at varsity.com/Daytona. For a complete list of past winners, check out our Collegiate Nationals Wall of Fame – NCA | NDA