Grand Canyon University Athletics
GCU Cheer Places Fifth in First-Ever Appearance at Nationals
3/23/2012 3:27:00 PM | Cheerleaders
It was Grand Canyon's first taste of national competition, and they finished ahead of several NCAA Division I schools, including Boise State University, last year's champion.
"I could not be more proud of the 15 men and women that truly put everything they had into this competition," says head coach Emily Stephens. "In addition to their obligations and responsibilities to support the men and women's basketball teams through-out their season, the team was practicing between 3-4 hours, five times a week to prepare for this competition. They had so much drive and passion to do well and it showed on the mat."
Captain and third year team member Jesi Smith has been a strong force for the team. "I knew from the beginning of the season when we won the Leadership Award at UCA Collegiate cheer camp that this team had something special," said Smith. "We are a family and our chemistry is remarkable. The love we have for each other is what has made this season for us successful."
"I came from a competitive cheerleading background and understand the time and dedication that goes into preparing for nationals," Stephens adds. "Honestly, it was not intimidating walking into the warm-up area and seeing all of those big name, DI schools that have been competing for 10 plus years because I knew our team was prepared and could compete within that league. They had faith and that was what mattered."
Highlights from the competition can be viewed here.
Players Mentioned
