By Franchesca Renteria
The University of the Incarnate Word Spirit program placed in the top 10 in the NCA College Nationals on April 10, 2026.
The team traveled to Daytona Beach, Florida, on April 9 to compete in one of the top collegiate cheer competitions in the country. The event brought together elite programs, including teams from Texas Tech and Louisville, allowing UIW to observe some of the sport’s highest-level talent.
Leading up to the trip, preparation played a key role in getting the team ready for the national stage.
“I pretty much got uniforms ready and made sure we got everything ready for the trip,” Team Manager Zada Ramirez said.
Even after arriving in Daytona, the team continued to prepare by practicing outdoors on grass as they ran through their routine. The team’s connection made a significant impact on their performance.
“I would say our biggest strength would probably be our coming-together moment right after Louisiana’s trip, Devven Garcia of the leadership team said. “We really got together as a team, and we worked hard to do our best in our performance, and in the end, it ended up showing off on the mat.”
UIW Spirit competed in the Intermediate Small Coed Division I Prelims and Finals. They scored an 86.86 and placed tenth out of 17 teams in the NCA College National Tournament.
That sense of unity helped define the team’s experience at nationals, as months of preparation came together in a single performance.
The trip to Daytona was not only a chance to compete but also an opportunity to grow as a team and gain experience on one of cheer’s biggest stages for the program.
