Cullowhee, N.C. – Western Carolina cheerleading opens its quest for a national championship on Friday, April 10, with its preliminary competition performance at the Daytona Beach Ocean Center in the 2026 National Cheerleaders Association (NCA) & National Dance Alliance (NDA) Collegiate Cheer and Dance Nationals.
The Catamounts are scheduled to perform at 6:50 p.m. on Friday, the third in their division to hit the mats at the Ocean Center (
101 N Atlantic Ave, Daytona Beach, FL 32118). Weather has altered the event's schedule this week – for the latest, be sure to
visit the NCA & NDA College Nationals official site at Varsity.com.
UPDATE: Ninth after the preliminary round, the Catamount cheerleaders are back on the mats at 7 p.m. on Saturday, April 11, in Daytona Beach, Fla. Competition is very tight with last year's champion fifth after the opening performance.
"We are incredibly excited to be competing in nationals, and I am proud of everything this squad has accomplished to get to this point," said second-year head coach
Corbin Huntley. "Since August, our student-athletes have shown unwavering dedication, putting in countless hours of hard work, discipline, and preparation. Their commitment to performing at the highest level has truly set the tone for this season."
Huntley added, "This team represents our program and our university with pride, both on and off the mats. They pushed themselves every day. That steadfast effort is what has brought us here."
The Catamount cheerleaders showcased their nationals routine in the Ramsey Center back on Sunday, March 29, in a final send-off performance, of sorts.
Entered in the Intermediate Small Coed Division I, the Catamounts are among 15 similarly-sized programs entered in their classification, vying for the right to advance from the Ocean Center and compete for a championship at the prestigious Bandshell. Joining WCU are cheer squads from Alabama State, the College of Charleston, Cal State Fullerton, Cal State Northridge, Incarnate Word, Lindenwood, Long Island University, Niagara, Northeastern, Sacramento State, Southeast Missouri State, Tarleton State, UT Rio Grande Valley, and Wichita State.
"As we head into competition, our goal is to showcase the strength, skill, and spirit that define our program and, ultimately, bring home a top-five finish," Huntley said.
Most recently, for WCU Cheer, competing in the All-Girl Division back in 2022, the Catamounts earned a fourth-place finish against 13 other programs at the same national competition.
Huntley and the Catamount cheerleaders expressed heartfelt thanks to all their supporters, including family and friends, donors, program alumni, and WCU faculty and staff, who helped make the return trip to Daytona possible.
Tickets for those wishing to cheer on the Catamounts in Daytona
are available online –
please be advised that there are no cash sales available at the event. Catamount Nation can also stream the NCA & NDA College National Championships online through Varsity TV online (tv.varsity.com).
Catamount fans can help support the WCU Cheerleaders through sport-specific giving with the Catamount Club. Visit the
Catamount Club online and use the drop-down menu for sport-specific giving, choosing the option "Cheerleading."
