2021 UCA & UDA College Cheerleading & Dance Team National Championship

Will The Hilltoppers End On Top At UCA College Nationals?

This April, WKU will be returning to Orlando with both teams to take on UCA College Naytionals in All Girl Division IA and Small Coed Division I

Apr 17, 2021 by Varsity TV

Will The Hilltoppers End On Top At UCA College Nationals?

The cheerleading program from Western Kentucky University has been attending the UCA & UDA College Cheerleading & Dance Team National Championship since 2003. This April, WKU will be returning to Orlando with both teams to take on the championship in All Girl Division IA and Small Coed Division I.

In the beginning, the Hilltoppers brought only a Coed team to compete in Orlando but in 2009, WKU introduced their All Girl team to the competitive scene. Since 2003, WKU has been a finalist contender each year, with several years venturing into the top five in both Coed & All Girl divisions.

"Practices are going really well,” shared first-year WKU Head Coach, Ali Lumpkin. "With weekly testing & strict policies, we have been able to stay on top of & hopefully prevent many outbreaks. All of our athletes are grateful for the opportunity to continue doing what they love during these uncertain times. We have seen their passion for the sport rise."

Lumpkin said that as the team prepares for nationals, the coaches and athletes have been focusing on two main things: Consistency & Versatility.

"We focus on getting quality reps at every practice," Lumpkin added. "We also focus on transitioning athletes into different positions throughout the preparation process. It is teaching our athletes the importance of learning new positions while having the courage to try."

"On the competitive scene, we hope to showcase a more collegiate routine from both squads, a variety of skills, confident execution, faster-paced routines, & cheers filled with energy! We are excited to show off some unique aspects specific to WKU."

Lumpkin shared that heading into UCA College Nationals, both teams share a common goal.

“We want to perform our routines with confidence with the focus on strong execution for each & every section,” she said. “We want both routines to have a polished look from beginning to end. We are very excited for the opportunity to compete against other teams this season.”

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While this has been a trying year for teams all across the world, Lumpkin expressed her gratitude for the support the Hilltoper Cheerleading Program has received from their university.

"As a first-year Head Coach at WKU, I am so grateful for the support of our Athletic Department, Administration, & President Caboni. They have been willing to do everything possible to allow us to continue practicing, performing, & cheering with the athletes’ health & safety as the top priority. We are immensely grateful to be able to not only prepare for nationals but for the opportunity to travel to Orlando & compete in person. It is clear they value our program & are willing to help us reach our goals as a program. GO TOPS!"

Will the Hilltopers end on top this April at the 2021 UCA & UDA College Cheerleading & Dance Team National Championship? Be sure to tune in to Varsity TV on April 27-28 to watch the prestigious cheerleading competition live!