The competitive cheer team earned a national bid for the National Cheerleading Association (NCA) competition in Daytona, Fla., on April 6-10, 2022.

The cheer team, which began at OLLU in 2020-2021, had to postpone its season due to COVID-19 concerns. This being the team’s s first official season and receiving a bid to the NCA competition is quite an accomplishment. The university is proud of the members’ efforts and congratulates them on their achievements.

Head Coach Crystal Brock said, “As a collegiate coach who understands the level of competition in our nation, I recognize the many teams fighting for nationals bids. Earning one makes me feel honored and humbled to work with my students and Assistant Coach Gabriel Guel. There is pride and prestige within our program, and I feel blessed for the opportunity. This year will be a test of our will and strength as we embrace the challenges that face any team starting from the bottom up, but when you add a pandemic, we must be fierce and press forward toward our goals without fear or limits.”

NCA staff from across the nation arrived in San Antonio to teach techniques and safety protocols to the OLLU cheer squad during a three-day camp this past summer. Brock and Guel were also guided on how to prepare for the competition in Daytona. Each athlete contributed to the team’s success and earned superior blue ribbons, which are awarded to those athletes who exemplify the NCA Standards of Excellence.

The cheer team this season will attend OLLU’s athletic events, community service projects, be in the Mall for campus activities and travel across the state of Texas sharing OLLU pride. “We are gracious for the support we have received from faculty, staff, students and the community,” Brock commented. “We truly believe our success is possible due to the support we receive from the community. Our team loves to cheer, and they love to serve others.”