Cheerleaders Repeat as National Champions, Make HBCU History

EAST GREENSBORO, N.C. (April 17, 2025) – North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University’s Cheerleading Program has cemented its place in history as a repeat winner in the National Cheerleaders Association (NCA) and National Dance Alliance (NDA) College National Championship.

With a final event score of 95.0093 and no deductions, the N.C. A&T team took first place again in the Intermediate Small Coed Division I group for this year’s event, held April 9-13 in Daytona, Florida.

Their group of 10 included two other North Carolina teams – Western Carolina University and the University of North Carolina at Wilmington – but no other historically Black colleges or universities (HBCUs).

Last year, the Aggie cheerleaders became the first HBCU team to win this division title and the first HBCU team in North Carolina to win an NCA National Championship.

This year, A&T was the only HBCU to win a division title in what is considered the premier collegiate cheerleading and dance championship in the United States.

 “We understood that if we were the best in 2024, then we had to push to ensure we stay the best in 2025,” said Daniel Kearns-Pickett, the Aggies’ head cheerleading coach. “Getting to the top is one thing, but staying at the top is a whole new process.”

Watch their winning routine here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ag-CsF0QteU

“Being able to see how hard myself, teammates, coaches and trainers have put into this two-minute and 15-second routine was all worth it,” said squad member Christion Drew. “All I could expect from Day 2 was perfection.”

In their first competition appearance in 2023, the Aggies received second-place honors – missing first place from among 21 teams by less than one point. They also were the first squad in at least 20 years to represent an HBCU from North Carolina in that year’s event.

“Winning back-to-back titles at NCA College Nationals with my HBCU meant everything,” said squad member Jaimee Standfield. “To go from where we started to where we are now is surreal. We truly came from the bottom and worked our way up, building something special along the way.”

Following their comeback win in 2024 on their “Road 2 Redemption,” the Aggies focused on their program motto, “Better Than Yesterday,” calling this “Peak Season” when they pushed themselves to new heights.

“This year’s team was different — we were hungry, determined and confident in the talent we brought to the mat. With a strong foundation of experienced athletes, we knew from day one that we had what it takes,” said Standfield.

“It wasn’t just about chasing another win — it was about proving to ourselves and everyone else that we deserved to be there,” she said. “The grit we showed, the challenges we overcame, and the way we came together made this moment even more powerful. This victory was earned, and it’s something we’ll carry with pride forever.”

This victory is extra special for Drew because he shares it with his younger sister and teammate, Aliyah Drew.

“I have only had the opportunity to be on a team with her twice, so it felt amazing for this third and final time to be such a core memory for the both of us,” he said. “She has become my ‘why’ for this sport … I wouldn’t have wanted to do this journey with anyone else.”

“I am very grateful for this win, but also appreciate the journey,” said Kearns-Pickett, who competed in the national event as a college student.

“This win was so much bigger than us, but it was for all of those who look like us and have been told that they can’t compete and/or succeed at certain levels,” he said. “The hard work and sacrifices were all worth it, and I will never forget this moment, these athletes, the history we made, or the legacy we are leaving.”

The Aggies’ history-making repeat also makes a statement that transcends cheerleading, Drew said. “I hope all Black and brown bodies get to see this routine and see themselves that they belong,” he said. “Disrupt spaces, let them see you, because when they do, greatness comes about.”

The A&T cheerleading squad is a highly visible group, designed to build humble, strong and competitive student athletes who are active in the community and serve as positive representatives of the university. Its athletes participate in game-day activities and events such as the Greatest Homecoming on Earth, as well as competitions throughout the year.

The 2024-25 squad members are co-captains Santana Baker, Tanasia Lemon and Kennedi Stevens, along with Taylor Allen, Jade Barnes, Madisyn Burnette, Katie Cantey, Sydney Cooke, the Drews, Nia Fletcher, Dasani Flowers, La’Kay Hardy, Jaedyn Harris, Isaiah Herbin, Jaida Hines, Aydra Hooper, Ni’Yarah Horton-Washington, Anaya Hutchins, Breyanna Hutchinson, Rokell Johnson, Madison Manley, Anton McPhatter, Carter Powell, Essence Rentie, Jordyn Shaw, Standfield, Amaeri Stewart, Myles Taylor, Ava Wilson, Morgan Young and KJ Zellous.