Pearl River Cheers Win First UCA National Championship

ORLANDO, Fla. (PRCC Athletics) — All of the hard work and dedication of the Pearl River Cheer Team over the past few months came to fruition as the Wildcats captured the All-Girl National Championship from the Universal Cheerleaders Association Saturday night at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Florida.

The championship marks the first in Pearl River history.

“Words can’t even describe how proud I am of the girls,” Pearl River coach Sarah Smith said. “The team executed so well, not once but twice; in the highest pressure situation you can imagine. These girls are exceptional athletes. They are relentless in their daily quest for perfection, and that absolutely sets them apart on home soil.

“The key to our victory was strong veteran leadership, focused athletes and high standards for all of our skills.”

DO IT The Wildcats put in phenomenal performances in their two appearances this weekend. In the first round of the PRCC, the Wildcats qualified for the final by scoring 88.7, which led their group.

Despite such a great first performance, Smith knew there was still work to be done in the final.

“There was never a moment when I knew we were going to win. Cheerleading is so unpredictable,” she said. “A small mistake can cost you everything. finals and qualified for the final in first place. At that time, I knew it was possible, but everything depended on this last performance.

In the final, the Wildcats faced the College of New Jersey, Rowan University, Avila University and Webber International University.

Pearl River again put in an incredible performance, scoring an 88.65 that beat their closest opponent by five points and awarded the Wildcats the national championship.

Smith recalled how his athletes felt at the awards ceremony.

“For the awards, all finalists are seated on the floor and placements are announced from the bottom up. As they assigned internships and our name still hadn’t been called, the excitement was indescribable,” Smith said. “Hearing your name called last is the goal and when it happened, the girls went wild. They earned every bit of the fulfillment they felt in that moment.

“It was amazing to hear our name named national champion. This team put in so much hard work and winning was the ultimate reward.