Campbellsville University’s cheer team won the 2026 College Classic National Championship, held April 10–12 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, marking a milestone for a program that has steadily improved in recent years.
The event, hosted by the Dance Team Union (DTU), featured collegiate programs from across the country competing in multiple divisions during the championship’s 10th anniversary celebration. Teams were evaluated based on difficulty, execution, timing, crowd interaction and overall performance. For CU’s cheer program, the title represents the culmination of years of growth and development.
After hearing they placed first, emotions ran high.
“I had never felt a high like this in my entire life,” said Gracie Morgeson, a senior cheerleader. “Happy isn’t even the word to describe it. It felt like all of our work had finally paid off.”
For many athletes, the championship symbolizes more than a win—it reflects the program’s progress.
“It shows the amount of growth we’ve had over the past few years,” said Rayna Taylor. “Our team has kind of been put on the back burner for years, and we are excited to finally have something to show for all of our hard work.”
Athletes said this year’s routine stood out for its increased difficulty and execution compared to previous seasons.
“Compared to last year, our routine was a lot more competitive,” said Taylor. “We even beat a Division I school and got the highest score in our division.”
The team competed within its designated division against other collegiate programs during the three-day national championship, which brought together top teams from across the country.
The performance required precision in stunts, timing and execution, with little room for error.
To prepare for the competition, the team spent months practicing and refining their routine while balancing classes, travel and conditioning. In addition to practices, athletes also performed at campus sporting events throughout the year.
“We practiced about six to eight hours a week,” said Kamarion Robinson. “We would go over the routine repeatedly to make sure we could fix mistakes and be sharp.”
Athletes said their responsibilities extended beyond practice.
“We not only trained for our routine,” Taylor said, “we also cheered on our football and basketball teams. It’s a year-round sport.”
Head Coach April Higdon said preparation for the season begins months in advance.
“We start early August preparing for the year,” said Higdon. “It’s a 10-month season that is nonstop. We practiced like we had already won.”
Higdon said the team’s preparation helped build confidence going into the competition.
“The first thing the judges said when we ran out on the floor was, ‘Wow! They are ready!’” Higdon said.
The team faced challenges throughout the season, including injuries, illness and roster adjustments.
“With cheer, when one person is out, the whole formation is affected,” Higdon said. “The entire team has to adjust quickly.”
One obstacle was having enough athletes available to compete.
“We ended up needing two extra guys to compete,” said Higdon. “Thankfully, Elijah Robb and Kamarion Smith stepped up and did amazing.”
For the athletes, competitions also brought mental and physical challenges.
“Staying calm throughout the entire routine was challenging,” said Robinson. “You have to control your breathing and stay focused.”
Elijah Robb, who joined the program this season, said stepping outside his comfort zone was a key challenge.
“The most challenging moment for me was overcoming the fear of trying new things,” said Robb. “You have to grow and build strength to be part of the team.”
Despite those challenges, athletes emphasized the importance of team chemistry.
“We were like family,” said Robinson. “We treated each other with love and kept God in between all of us.”
Athletes also built relationships outside of practice, strengthening trust during performances.
“Hanging out outside of practice really helps build trust,” said Robb. “Especially in stunts, trust is everything.”
Faith played a central role in the team’s routine and mindset throughout the season.
“We pray at the end of every practice and before we compete,” said Robb. “It’s an awesome feeling to be surrounded by people who share the same faith.”
As Taylor prepared to compete, she turned to family for support.
“I called my grandma before we competed and asked her to pray with me,” said Taylor. “That helped me stay calm.”
Coaches emphasized preparation and execution heading into the competition.
“We had a clean routine with difficult pyramids,” Higdon said. “All we had to do was hit it, and they did.”
When the team took the floor, they focused on executing their routine and maintaining energy throughout the performance. After finishing, they waited for the results.
When they heard they placed first, emotions took over.
“I didn’t know whether to cry or scream,” Higdon said. “I think I did both.”
The cheerleaders echoed that excitement.
“It was awesome,” said Robb. “We worked so extremely hard for that moment.”
For Taylor, the victory carries lasting meaning.
“It has brought me closer to God and helped me make lifelong friends,” said Taylor.
The win also highlights the visibility of the cheer program within Campbellsville athletics.
“This shows that we are athletes as well,” said Robinson. “We are here to win.”
Higdon said she hopes the championship will continue to elevate the program’s recognition.
“My hope is for the cheer team to be recognized for the athletes they are,” Higdon said. “It’s a tough sport and a long season.”
As the team celebrates the national title earned on a national stage in Orlando, its focus now shifts toward building on that success.
“We have to build on this win,” Higdon said, “and go for another one.”
