The Lion Line dance team performed its jazz and hip hop routines in the Division I semifinals, but did not advance to the finals at the UCA and UDA Collegiate Cheerleading and Dance Team National Championships January 15-17 at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Florida.

The weekend of competition began in one of two Division I Jazz preliminary rounds on Friday. In a field of 17 squads, Lion Line earned a performance score of 82.2167 to place eighth and be one of 23 teams out of 33 overall to advance to the semifinals. The Lions performed again on Saturday and improved their score to 83.0833 to finish 13^th, but only the top 12 made it to the jazz finals. Lindenwood missed by just under a point, finishing behind Butler University in 12^th with a performance score of 83.9.

Lion Line performed its Division I Hip Hop routine on Saturday as one of 19 squads in the semifinals. Needing a top 10 performance to advance, the Lions earned a performance score of 83.0667 to finish 13^th. Central Connecticut State University earned the cut score in 10^th with 84.5.

Lindenwood Dance Team Assistant Coach for Lion Line Kristine Pickens reflected on her team's performance.

"While we did not advance to the finals round of the competition this year, the team still pushed the envelope in the D1 division, and we surpassed our personal goals," she said. "We brought two of the most difficult routines this team has ever competed, and the team performed skills we have never done before such as a team front flip in their hip hop routine. Our squad of 19 girls worked so hard this season and had a phenomenal showing for the university. We are ready to keep fighting in this very competitive division and come back next year hungry for more!"

Complete 2026 UCA & UDA Collegiate National Championship Results