DBU Spirit Takes on Daytona: Making History in Advanced Division and Third National Title

After a year of preparation for one defining moment, where their hard work and dedication would be on full display, Dallas Baptist University's Cheer and Patriettes took the floor at the NCA and NDA Collegiate National Championship in Daytona, Florida.

Competing at the national level, DBU's Spirit team went head-to-head with the best programs in the nation. Making their way to finals, DBU Cheer, Patriettes, Patriot Man, and the Drumline gave one of their best performances with high energy, bright smiles, and complex skills.

Receiving the fifth-highest score of the entire competition, a 92.98, DBU Spirit made history once again as they secured their third consecutive national title in the Game Day Division II category.

Beyond the Game Day division, DBU Cheer and Patriettes competed against the nation's top cheer and dance teams in their respective categories.

For the first time in program history, Cheer advanced to a higher competition division following their five consecutive national wins in the intermediate division. Competing in the Advanced All-Girl Division II, the team earned a 90.82, with a third-place finish, highlighting a historic first for DBU in this new category.

DBU's Cheer Coach, Callie Taylor, shared her excitement about this milestone, saying, "Our advanced team made history by competing in the advanced division for the first time ever, and making the top three is a huge accomplishment."

Building on this year's achievements, the Patriettes returned to the NDA floor after three years, debuting their collegiate pom in the Division II category. This accomplishment exceeded Patriettes' Coach Randi Pennix's expectations, as the team made the decision to compete after the season had already begun. "It pushed our standard higher, and it's exciting to think about what that means for our future," Coach Pennix said.

DBU's Director of Athletics, Matt Duce, stated, "The bandshell in Daytona is the pinnacle moment these teams prepare for all year long, and our coaches and student athletes rose to it. DBU Spirit's national championship in the Game Day routine exemplified the standard of excellence this program has set, and Cheer's third-place finish in the advanced division proves our commitment to competing at the highest level. None of it happens without the leadership of Coach Callie Taylor, Coach Randi Pennix, and their staff — I could not be prouder of them and our student-athletes for what they have built together."

He then reflected on an even bigger achievement, "The greatest victory, though, came beyond the competition. Fourteen of our student-athletes were baptized in the Atlantic Ocean, publicly declaring their faith in Jesus with the national cheer stage as the audience to God's work in their lives and in Patriot Athletics. While we celebrate championships, living for Christ will always be the ultimate win."

Now back on University Hill, DBU Spirit returns as national champions once again, adding another remarkable chapter to the program's growing legacy of excellence. With six consecutive years of bringing home a national title since 2021, the future remains bright for Patriot Spirit.