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Published April 14, 2026

CAPTION: The ULM Cheerleading team won its 6th National Championship at the College Classic Cheerleading Championship in Orlando, Fla.  

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MONROE, La. – The University of Louisiana Monroe Cheerleading team has claimed its 6th National Championship, taking home first place in the Small Co-Ed Traditional division at the College Classic Cheerleading Championship in Orlando, Fla., from April 10-12, 2026. Members of the team also competed in the All-Girl Group Stunt Competition.  

The team took home the title after coming out on top in a field of eight teams in their division that included notable competitors Oral Roberts University and the University of South Alabama. 

“This championship is a direct reflection of the discipline, sacrifice, and standard our athletes chose to uphold every single day,” said ULM Cheerleading Head Coach Sammi Spivey Tucker.  “They didn’t just want to win; they committed to doing things the right way, even when it was hard. I’m incredibly proud of how they represented our university on the national stage. This marks the second national championship we’ve brought home in my four years here, and it’s a testament to the culture these athletes continue to build and protect. ULM Cheer continues to rise,” she added.  

The team of 24 includes seven returning athletes and 17 new members. The team faced adversity by losing six members in the lead-up to Nationals, which required multiple routine adjustments throughout the season. After receiving a 1.25 deduction on the first day of competition, the team rebounded on day two, receiving no deductions and securing the championship.  

This championship win comes after the team was unable to compete in the 2025 Nationals due to injuries. In 2023, the team won the Collegiate All-Girl National Championship and was the 2024 Collegiate Small Co-Ed National Runner-Up.  

Spivey Tucker said that the final routine, for which the team received zero deductions, was the most difficult routine performed by ULM Cheer in over a decade. The team was also awarded the special “Wow Moment” award for executing an elite-level pyramid.  

Lydia DarDar, a Pre-Physical Therapy major from DeQuincy, La., is one of the team captains. “Over the past three years, this team has become like family to me, so ending my final season as captain and as a national champion is incredibly special. Nationals was such an amazing experience. We never lost sight of our goal and performed when it mattered most. This title means so much because of everything we’ve been through together,” said DarDar.  

Freddie Lewis, a Social Work major from Monroe, served as the male captain. “This year has been very challenging for ULM Cheer, but walking away as national champions is a powerful reflection of God’s promises and our team’s unwavering faith. We persevered together as a family through early mornings, and through the blood, sweat, and tears poured into this program. I truly believe there is no team in the nation that works harder than my brothers and sisters and I on this team. We overcame so much throughout the season, and to now experience the rewards of that hard work is incredibly meaningful. This championship is a testament to our resilience, unity, and belief in one another,” said Lewis.  

In addition to Head Coach Sammi Spivey Tucker, the ULM Cheerleading coaching staff features Assistant Coach Anna Bennett and Physical Trainer Mara Brown.  

The 2025-2026 ULM Cheerleading roster includes: Shelby Baker, Haleigh Baylor Nard, Kimberly Burtram, De’Aubri Bently, Brilynn Carroll, Hailey Clifton, Lydia DarDar (Captain), Riley Day, Sara-Katherine Freeland, Taylor Ann Harding (Captain), Alyssa Hodges, Elizabeth Ivey, Camille Jeansonne, Chandler Jones, Freddie Lewis (Captain), Makenzie Mitchell, Deahvionne Moore, Raygen Monk, Alaiyah Norwood, Jaislynn Ray, Carlissa Smith, Mallory Steen, Shelby Paige Ware, and Raegan West.