Every year, the UDA College National Championship showcases the strongest, fiercest, and most disciplined collegiate dance teams in the nation. In 2018, we expect to see no less than the best. 

Here’s a recap of the champions and top teams from 2017, plus who we can expect to wow us on the stage this year.

The Pom division is undeniably exciting. The music is always energetic and the movement is sharp, fast, and technical. The costumes and poms bring the visuals and are sure to pump up any crowd. Teams work hard all year to be able to execute these difficult routines and we can't wait to see how this division unfolds.

DIVISION lA POM

The University of Minnesota dance team took home their eighth consecutive win in 2017 with their powerhouse pom routine. This dance team hits the stage with consistent elite technique, sharp and innovative pom motions, all while making it look effortlessly fun. Watch last year’s routine and you can be sure to witness the same speed and execution that we’ll see again this year.

2017 Division lA Pom Champions—University of Minnesota

Fun fact: They are the only college dance team in UDA history to take home a DIA Pom championship title!

The Ohio State Buckeyes gave us an entertaining routine in 2017 that earned them second place. The drive this team holds is visible every time they take the stage. The dance included visual transitions and some surprising partner work. Head coach Melissa McGhee tells us the musicality of their routine is what stands out the most for her. You won't want to miss the Buckeyes perform LIVE in 2018.

The University of Iowa came in third and this placement was the highest ever for the Hawkeyes dance team. The last time they broke top five in the pom category was back in 2015. Their 2017 routine was the first year a top DlA team wore leggings in the pom category, and guess what? The pants are back! The dance team uses #fearthepants as their motivational motto! Head coach Jenny Eustice tells us the pom routine this year “is a visual smorgasbord,” and will not disappoint with a reggae, hip hop feel to their choreography this year.

The moment... 3rd in the NATION in Division 1A POM! pic.twitter.com/bSmbXveKl7

— Iowa Dance Team (@IowaDanceTeam) January 16, 2017

DIVISION I POM

The Hofstra University dance team fought hard to win back-to-back championship titles in 2016 and 2017. The Dl pom champs managed to perform their winning routine with three different sets of poms! 

Fun fact: Hofstra took home international gold medals in performance cheer-freestyle pom last year twice while representing USA at the 2017 ICU World Championships and the 2017 ICU Pan-American Cheerleading Championship in Colombia!

2017 Division l Pom Champions—Hofstra University

Cal State Fullerton earned second place in 2017 with a fun ladies-themed pom routine that included top-notch turn and jump technique. Fullerton has placed in the top three for the past four years at UDA College, but have yet to bring home a championship. Could 2018 be their year? You can expect to see some powerful turn sections as this team always knows how to execute come performance time.

Saint Joseph’s University dance consistently brings a great routine to the nationals stage and are familiar with the top spot after taking home a national championship back in 2015. They earned third place in 2017.

OPEN POM

Orange Coast College took home a second-place finish back in 2016, which made last year’s big win even sweeter. The routine featured bright poms and unique turns. When it comes to precision and speed, this team knows how to execute. Performing a pom routine of this caliber is not easy so you wont want to miss them show off on stage next weekend.

2017 Open Pom Champions—Orange Coast College

University of Central Oklahoma took home second in open pom followed by Minnesota State University Mankato in third.

Another team to look out for in finals is Endicott University; they have started to move up ranks in the pom category and are hopeful to get that trend going. Head coach Nikki Sao-Pedro Welch fills us in on what she’s most excited the pom routine: the music. 

“We are using one song for pom and can’t wait to see our team bring the routines to life," she said.

By: Megan Miles

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