By: Jessica Baker 

It's every college cheerleader's favorite time of year . . . the NCA & NDA Collegiate Cheer and Dance Championship. The nation's best college teams are en route to Daytona Beach for the change to earn the number one spot. Whether you're a competitor or an avid spectator, here are a few things only NCA & NDA fans will understand. 
PACKING
Packing for Daytona seems like more daunting a task than five more full-outs on dead mat. But you know…after you try everything on, including the 12 different combination, mix-and-match swimming suits, that the perfectly packed suitcase will be worth it in the end. Hold that thought - have you seen my hair bow for prelims? Not the red one, but the one with the rhinestone paw prints…?


HIGH FLYING STUNTS
Anyway, once you get to the beach all  you need is cheer shoes and some sunshine. Stunting in front of the ocean surf, surrounded by hundreds of the best college cheerleaders in the world is really something to see. Everywhere you look, there’s a jaw dropping stunt, pyramid or tumbling pass that makes you think, “taking flight might be possible, despite your lack of wings.” 


SUN, SUN AND MORE SUN
All feathers aside, a college cheerleader’s dream is to step onto that warm, fuzzy, blue mat framed by the world-famous Daytona Beach Band Shell. There are memories to be made, legacies to be left and sunburns to be avoided. So what’s it like at College Nationals? Get your sunscreen ready and keep your beach towel close – this is no ordinary cheerleading competition.


FINDING THE PERFECT SPECTATOR SPOT
If you’re lucky enough to secure a spot on the balcony at the Hilton before the competition begins, you’re in luck. You’ve just scored yourself a seat to the championship “preview” – complete with the sea breeze, seagulls and a few random rubberneckers. And stick around for the sunset. As you make your way across the trampled lawn to the beach, the ocean breeze carries the cheers and laughter of the teams that make college nationals the unforgettable competition that it is.


THE INFAMOUS BANDSHELL
But that’s only the beginning. Swarms of cheerleaders and their game day props pack the sidewalks surrounding the Ocean Center and Bandshell like a busy hive. Athletes buzzing to and from venues are followed by an entourage of fans - complete with loud music, making the scene feel movie-like. When a crowd-favorite is about to take the mat, you know you better find your spot quick, because there’s going to be a packed house. Or in this case, no place to lay your beach towel. Side-by-side, spectators soak in the Daytona rays, as the top college teams in the world put in the work on stage.



CHAMPIONS IN THE MAKING
When the stage clears and the golden trophies take center, everyone holds their breath like they’re participating in a hot yoga class. Heads bowed and hand united – watching the teams earn their win is truly extraordinary. They grab their trophy and plunge into the ocean, sending startled fish to seek shelter. Crowds flock to the water’s edge to get close to the action as the trophies bob in the water for stunt photos and celebratory team huddles.


When it’s all said and done, NCA College Nationals in Daytona is something you can’t really explain to the average beach-goer or sports fan. You’ve got to live it. So pack your bags and start planning your trip to this little piece of cheer paradise. And don’t forget to leave room for that championship trophy.



Want to see the action for yourself? Varsity.tv will stream finals LIVE from the Bandshell this Friday, April 8.