Cheer Team Wins NCA All-Girls Division I National Championship

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – The UNH cheerleading team won the National Cheerleading Association (NCA) Advanced All-Girls Division I National Championship and placed runner-up in its first year competing in the Advanced Small Coed Division I National Championship held April 10-13 at the famous Daytona Beach Band Shell.

The NCA College Nationals, the most prestigious collegiate cheerleading championships in the country, brought together hundreds of teams across the U.S. to compete for national titles. UNH was represented by 47 athletes competing in two divisions: Advanced All-Girl Division I and Advanced Small Coed Division I. Both teams performed flawlessly without any deductions during their routines.

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The Wildcats All-Girl Division I squad scored a 95.475 to defeat California Baptist (93.6792), Utah Valley (92.8042) and Harvard (79.3958). Full Results

This marks the fourth NCA national championship, and third in All-Girl Division I, won by the Wildcats under the leadership of head coach Scott Rigoli and assistant coach Brad Burlamachi. The 2025 championship joins the Advanced All-Girl D-I Championships earned in 2017 and 2023. The '23 team also won the Intermediate All-Girl D-I Championship and was crowned the NCA All-Girl Division Grand Champions.

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The Advanced Coed D-I team, in its first season at that level, placed No. 2 nationally with a 93.0584. Weber State won the championship with a 96.152. Full Results

"Returning from Daytona, I felt immense pride in representing UNH," Rigoli said. "Both teams excelled, with All Girl overcoming the challenge of integrating newcomers. By March, they were ready for nationals and performed brilliantly. Our senior captain, Lucy Benn, provided exceptional leadership. The coed team impressed with two deduction-free routines and a second-place finish, establishing UNH as a cheerleading powerhouse in the Northeast. We're excited for the future!"

"I am incredibly proud to congratulate our UNH Cheerleading program on their outstanding achievements at the NCA National Championship," said Allison Rich, Director of Athletics. "Winning a fourth national title since 2017 is a testament to their talent and dedication. I also want to commend the coed team for their impressive runner-up finish in only their second year of competition. UNH Cheerleading brings incredible spirit and unwavering support to our University and teams all year long. This championship is a well-deserved recognition, which fills our community with immense pride."

2025 National Cheerleading Association National Championship
April 10-13 • Daytona Beach Bandshell and Ocean Center
Full Results

ABOUT UNH CHEERLEADING
UNH Cheerleading brings Wildcat spirit to select athletic contests by entertaining the students and fans at athletic venues and community events. The team provides spirit and entertainment at home football games, men's and women's home basketball games, and select away/postseason athletic events.

In addition to promoting various athletic events on campus, the team trains and practices year-round to compete locally and nationally. They compete annually at NCA College Nationals in Daytona Beach, Fla.

The cheerleading program is partially funded and supported by the UNH Department of Athletics. The team also participates in various fundraising events throughout the year to help fund the cost of travel, entry fees, and hotel accommodations.

If you'd like to donate to the team, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

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