The Southern Methodist University (SMU) cheer team triumphed at the NCA Collegiate National Championship held in Daytona, Florida. Outperforming 15 competing teams in the Intermediate Small Coed Division 1A, the 32-member squad secured the championship title from April 11 to 13.
This victory marks a notable return for the SMU cheer team, which had previously clinched the national championship in 2016, 2017, and 2018. In 2021, they also secured the Gameday D1A national champion title.
Beyond the competitive arena, the SMU cheer team plays a pivotal role in supporting various sports programs at the university, including Mustang football, men's and women's basketball, and women's volleyball. Additionally, the team actively participates in numerous community events, serving as ambassadors for SMU.
Founded in 1948 by former SMU cheerleader Lawrence Herkimer, the National Cheerleading Association (NCA) traces its origins back to the university. Herkimer, credited with creating the iconic "Herkie" jump, established the foundation for cheerleading excellence, a tradition that the SMU cheer team continues to embody.
