Panther Cheerleaders Claim Top Prize at National Competition

Published: April 13, 2021

GCs Panther cheerleaders roared into March like a lion, entering a national cheer competition as the new kids on the competitive block and walking away as the best of the best.

Christian Cheerleaders of America (CCA) sponsored the competition, which took place March 2-4 in Fayetteville, NC. More than 50 teams qualified in an event that typically draws competitors from coast to coast. GCs team placed first in its division (college coed, large group) and went on to place first among all competitors to claim the grand-national champion award.

GCs panther mascot, Hoguey, also claimed the top prize in the College Mascot Division.

This was the teams first ever foray into a national competition. Its members hoped at best to have a good showing.

We fought through much adversity to just make it to Nationals, said Head Cheerleading Coach Sean Washington. We were not expecting to come away with the awards we received!

Two panels of judges assessed the teams presentation. One panel assessed overall performance, evaluating elements like technique, placement, creativity, use of the floor and overall choreography. A second panel assessed the difficulty of the skills the team employed.

Coach Washington used his teams performance at the national level as a barometer of things to come. It goes to show that the sky is the limit for this program! he said. I truly believe God has had a hand on this program from the beginning and continues to shower it with blessings.

Washington acknowledged that GCs good showing will help draw the attention of college-bound students who want to continue cheering at the collegiate level. At the event in Fayetteville, he seized the opportunity to initiate frequent conversations about GC with college-bound cheerleaders representing their high school teams.

Greenville is such a unique place in that faith, worship, work (cheer) and academics all coincide, he said. I truly believe it is the heart of every coach, professor, faculty member and staff to see students excel in every aspect of college life.

Greenville College revamped its cheerleading program in 2015, investing in a full-time coach and offering scholarships.

Learn More

Stand Up and Cheer

GC Cheerleading Team: Q&A With the Coaches

Cheerleading Wins CCA Grand National Championship

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