TSU Cheerleaders Make History with Top 5 Ranking at National Championship

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University’s cheerleaders are celebrating a historic achievement after securing 5th place in the Intermediate All-Girl Division I category at the 2025 National Cheerleaders Association (NCA) and National Dance Alliance (NDA) College Nationals.

The team competed against nearly 30 universities from across the country, achieving their highest national ranking to date.

TSU’s cheer team celebrates its best-ever finish at the NCA College Nationals in Daytona Beach.

The NCA College Nationals is a prestigious collegiate cheerleading competition held from April 10 to12 in Daytona Beach, Florida, attracting hundreds of teams annually from across the country. This year marked TSU Cheer’s fourth appearance at the national competition and their most successful yet.

TSU Head Cheer Coach Dwight Pope said he was overwhelmed with pride about the team’s growth and determination. “We set the vision, we went to competition, and we’re very proud,” Pope said. “Speaking from a Tennessee State University standpoint, I’m truly speechless as this is the highest we’ve ranked ever.”

In previous years, TSU competed in the Intermediate Small Co-ed Division I category. The move to an all-girl division this season was a shift that Pope said reflects the team’s evolution in both size and strength.

“This strategic transition marks a new era for TSU Cheer, as the team continues to grow in size, skill, and spirit,” he said. “This season is about elevation in energy, execution, and excellence. We’ve been building our legacy for the past three seasons, and this year, we stepped into our power as an all-girl team with something to prove.”

TSU Cheerleaders before earning 5th place in the Intermediate All-Girl Division I at the 2025 NCA College Nationals.

Kyla Keeylen, a graduating senior and cheer team leader, said the team practiced nearly every day in preparation for their big moment. “It was just a great feeling to go out there and have a really good performance,” Keeylen said. “And just to hear our name be called in the top five, it was amazing.”

Keeylen also noted the team was the only HBCU to place in the top five of their division. As she prepares to graduate this May, she said she’s excited to support her teammates as they continuebuilding on this momentum next season.

Samantha Strickland, a TSU junior who served as co-captain for NCA Nationals, couldn’t agree more regarding the university success and efforts.

“HBCUs can and will compete with anyone,” Strickland said. “Going on the floor and showcasing our team and hitting our routine, it was an amazing feeling. This has been a history-making year, and I look forward to our progress next season.”

After returning to campus, the cheerleaders were welcomed home with a surprise reception hosted by TSU faculty and staff. The event included food, drinks, and gifts to celebrate their national success and recognize their dedication as student athletes.

TSU cheerleaders received a surprise welcome from faculty and staff with food, drinks, and gifts to celebrate their national success.

Dr. Bridgett Golman, vice president for Student Affairs, presented the team with tokens of appreciation and praised their commitment.

“You all are true athletes,” Golman said. “I truly appreciate you all. It’s not just about the performance. You all are managing a class schedule, a social life, in the midst of practices. I want you to know that we see you and that we appreciate you.”

Golman also commended Coach Pope, noting his nearly 30 years of dedicated leadership of the TSU Cheer program.

With their highest national ranking in history and a growing legacy of excellence, the TSU Cheerleaders are setting the standard for collegiate cheer teams nationwide. As they look ahead to next season, they plan to Bring It On with every intention of bringing the NCA title home.

The Tigers are guided by a committed cheer coaching staff:

Head Coach Dwight Pope

Justin Loggins, Assistant Coach/Competition

Britney Holder, Assistant Coach/Competition

Ashley LaBarre, Social Emotional Learning Coach

De’Mario Mitchell, Mascot Coordinator

To learn more about the TSU cheerleaders, visit www.tnstate.edu/cheerleaders/.