Cheerleading won both the Advanced Small Coed Division II and Intermediate Small Coed Division II titles at the NCA/NDA Collegiate Cheer and Dance Team National Championships April 10-12 at the Band Shell and Ocean Center in Daytona Beach, Florida.

The Lions advanced small coed squad posted the top event score in preliminary competition, despite a minor mistake that resulted in a 0.75-point deduction. The University of Arkansas – Fort Smith was right behind in second place with Limestone and McKendree University in third and fourth respectively. Lindenwood improved its raw score in the finals but dealt with a 1.25-point deduction, resulting in an event score of 91.2917. It was still easily enough to claim the title just under two points ahead of Arkansas – Fort Smith.

Meanwhile, the Lions intermediate small coed squad also led the preliminary standings and did so with a solid performance without any deductions. Saginaw Valley State University was a point behind in second with King University in third place. Things did not go quite as smoothly in the finals as Lindenwood posted a lower raw score and had 0.75-points in deductions, but the event score was still 93.7338. The Lions claimed their second title of the week by well over a point ahead of SVSU despite a deduction free performance from the Cardinals. The University of Texas – Permian Basin climbed into third finishing 3.6-points behind Lindenwood.

The Lions had four other squads in competition and three of them earned top three "winners circle" trophies. Competing for just the second time in Division II Spirit Rally, Lindenwood cheer finished second. The Lions had a deduction free performance in the preliminary round to sit in second place, less than a point behind Oklahoma Baptist University. Lindenwood duplicated its effort in the finals and earned an event score of 93.05 and edge Lubbock Christian University for second place. The Bison finished with 96.375 to claim the title.

The Lions intermediate all-girl squad had a great preliminary round in a giant field of 19 teams. They earned the highest event score, but it was incredibly tight at the top of the standings with four other squads within just a half point of Lindenwood. The Lions weren't as fortunate in the finals as they dealt with a half point of deductions to finish with an event score of 97.0417. Dallas Baptist and Oklahoma Baptist were able to leapfrog Lindenwood with scores of 97.6134 and 97.118 respectively.

The Lions also took third place in the Advanced Large Coed Open Division. Lindenwood did not have a good day in prelims. With 3.5 points in deductions, the Lions sat in fourth place behind McKendree in third. Things went a bit better in the finals with only 1.5 points in deductions. That made a difference as Lindenwood posted an event score of 86.375 to climb into the top three, edging the Bearcats who posted 86.025. Westcliff University won the championship with Xavier University taking second.

Competing for only the second year in All-Girl Group Stunt, the Lions squad finished ninth in a field of 22. Lindenwood cheer had a deduction free performance and posted an event score of 88.3556.

Director of Spirit Squads (Cheer and Dance) Carrie Nichols summed up the week of success for the programs.

"Lindenwood cheerleading and dance made history once again," she said. "We are the only university to bring five cheer teams and two dance performances to Nationals with each making the top three winners circle. We are so proud of these student-athletes and their accomplishments as not many schools bring 150 athletes and walk away with multiple medals.

"Regardless of the placements whether it was first, second, or third, these athletes are walking away with memories and valuable lessons to help shape them in all that they do. We are one family, and we are excited for the future as we head into Division I." 

This year marks the 22^nd consecutive year (no competition in 2020 due to COVID) that the Lions have attended the NCA/NDA Collegiate Cheer and Dance Team Championships and the 10^th straight year they claimed at least one national title. Lindenwood won the Advanced Large Coed Division II crowns in 2023 and 2024 and Intermediate Small Coed Division II championship in 2023. The Lions also won the Small Coed Open and Intermediate Small Coed Open titles in 2021; won Large Coed division crowns in 2022, 2019, 2018, 2017, and 2015; captured the Small Coed Division II championship in 2022 and 2018; Small Coed Division II in 2016; and Small Coed in 2011.

 

	Advance Small Coed Division II
1	Lindenwood University	91.2917
2	University of Arkansas - Fort Smith	89.5709
3	Limestone University	89.5334
4	McKendree University	85.9625
5	Davenport University	85.3542
	Intermediate Small Coed Division II
1	Lindenwood University	93.7338
2	Saginaw Valley State University	92.3125
3	University of Texas - Permian Basin	90.1227
4	Southern Arkansas University	89.9931
5	King University	89.0417
	Spirit Rally Division II
1	Oklahoma Baptist University	96.375
2	Lindenwood University	93.05
3	Lubbock Christian University	92.875
4	University of Texas - Tyler	91.0125
5	Southern Nazarene University	85.0125
	Intermediate All-Girl Division II
1	Dallas Baptist University	97.6134
2	Oklahoma Baptist University	97.118
3	Lindenwood University	97.0417
4	Valdosta State University	96.2755
5	Texas A & M International University	94.5208
	Advanced Large Coed Open Division
1	Westcliff University	90.9125
2	Xavier University	88.3208
3	Lindenwood University	86.375
4	McKendree University	86.025
5	Columbus State University	81.7542
	All-Girl Group Stunt
1	University of West Georgia	97.8667
2	Morehead State University	97.4667
3	University of Alabama	94.15
4	Purdue University	93.0222
5	University of Louisville	92.5333
6	Florida State University	92.2667
7	Morehead State University	92.2222
8	Southeastern Louisiana University	90.8167
9	Lindenwood University	88.3556
10	University of Louisville	86.2611