UNH Cheer Repeats as NCA Advanced All-Girl National Champions

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - The UNH cheerleading program delivered standout performances on the national stage, winning the National Cheerleading Association (NCA) Advanced All-Girl Division I National Championship for the fourth time while also earning the All-Girl Grand Championship Title. The Wildcats also finished third in the Advanced Small Coed Division I at the NCA College Nationals held April 8-11, 2026, at the historic Daytona Beach Bandshell.

Considered the premier event in collegiate cheerleading, the NCA College Nationals featured hundreds of teams from across the country competing for championship honors. UNH's 38 students competed in both the Advanced All-Girl Division I and Advanced Small Coed Division I, producing strong, disciplined routines in each division – without any deductions – and continuing the program's tradition of excellence.

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The Wildcats' Advanced All-Girl Division I team earned the national title with a final score of 96.675, finishing ahead of California Baptist University (95.4792) and Utah Valley University (94.0583). UNH delivered a difficult, high-energy routine to secure the program's fourth NCA Advanced All-Girl national championship for the second consecutive year.

In addition to winning the division title, UNH captured All-Girl Grand Championship honors, posting a score of 94.9 in the finals to outpace Oklahoma Baptist University (94.6333) and the University of Louisville (93.95). The Grand Championship recognizes the top overall All-Girl performance across divisions at the NCA College Nationals.

This latest championship continues the program's tradition of success under the leadership of head coach Scott Rigoli and assistant coach Brad Burlamachi. UNH's All-Girl Division I titles now span 2017, 2023, 2025, and 2026, with the 2023 team also earning the NCA All-Girl Grand Championship.

The Advanced Small Coed Division I team, in only its second year of existence, closed out the weekend with a third-place national finish, scoring 89.375 in a highly competitive field. Weber State University claimed the division title with a 96.0125, followed by the University of Central Arkansas (91.8792).

"Coming home from Daytona, I couldn't be prouder of how our athletes represented UNH on an incredibly competitive national stage," Rigoli said. "The All-Girl team rose to the moment and delivered their strongest performances at the right time, earning both the national championship and Grand Championship. Our Small Coed team showed tremendous growth, competing with confidence and grit against elite programs. This group continues to set a high standard for what UNH cheerleading is all about which helps us shine a bright light on the University and attract the very best talent."

"I am extremely proud of our UNH Cheerleading program for another historic showing at the NCA College Nationals," said Allison Rich, Director of Athletics. "Winning a fourth Advanced All-Girl Division I national championship and capturing the All-Girl Grand Championship is a remarkable achievement and speaks to the dedication of our students and coaching staff. UNH Cheerleading consistently represents our university with excellence and pride."

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 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 supported and partially funded 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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