Orlando, FL – The Indian Hills Competitive Cheer & Dance team took home a top-20 finish in the program's first-ever performance at the Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA) Gameday Nationals at the Disney World Resort.
"I was very happy with our performance because this is the big stage," stated head coach Cyndi Mellin. "I am very pleased across the board with our scores, we received a couple of 10's. Ranking higher than four-year colleges is certainly impressive for our student-athletes."
In the Small College Coed Cheer Game Day Division, the Warriors placed 19th overall with a score of 78.3667, finishing ahead of five four-year universities. The Warriors were one of just four junior college programs to compete.
"Stepping onto the mat for the first time as the first Indian Hills team in history to do that made my heart full," stated freshman Ariel Altheide (Ottumwa, IA/Ottumwa). I have been waiting for this moment since middle school cheer."
Isabela Zukowski (Olsztyn, Poland/X Liceum) noted the atmosphere of the entire competition. "I have never seen a crowd like that. The energy was great."
Freshman Jocelyn Maw (Ottumwa, IA/Ottumwa) noted her experience on the national stage. "It felt like a different world – it was magical."