YPSILANTI, Mich. – The University of Saint Mary (Kan.) cheerleading squad etched their names in program history this weekend at the 2025 Nfinity NAIA Competitive Cheer National Championship, securing an impressive fourth-place finish. Held at the George Gervin GameAbove Center in Ypsilanti, Mich., the national stage saw the Spires deliver their highest score ever, a remarkable 92.02, marking a new benchmark for both the Saint Mary program and all schools within the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC).
In only their second appearance at the national championship, Saint Mary showcased their dedication and talent, bringing home the fourth-place trophy to Leavenworth. The event was a showcase of exceptional athleticism, with the top two finishers, St. Ambrose (Iowa) and Xavier (La.), breaking the all-time scoring record. St. Ambrose ultimately claimed their third consecutive national title with a stunning score of 97.95.
The Spires' consistent performance throughout the competition culminated in a finals routine that was both clean and dynamic, as evidenced by their zero deductions in the final round. Their final score placed them among an elite group of five teams that surpassed the 90-point threshold, highlighting the growing competitiveness of NAIA cheerleading.
This fourth-place finish is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and unwavering spirit of the cheer team. To achieve the highest score in program history and for the entire KCAC on the national stage is an incredible accomplishment. The university is incredibly proud of these student-athletes and their commitment to excellence.
The journey to the top four saw Saint Mary navigate a talented field of 15 teams, all of whom had previously qualified for the national championship. Their impressive showing in just their second appearance underscores the rapid growth and potential of the University of Saint Mary cheer program.
The final standings saw Dickinson State (N.D.) take third place with a score of 96.38, just ahead of the Spires. Other notable performances included the dramatic move of Concordia (Mich.) from 15th to 11th in their final program performance.
The University of Saint Mary community celebrates this historic achievement and looks forward to the continued success of their cheerleading program. This fourth-place trophy is a symbol of their hard work and a proud moment for the entire institution.
Finals Point Totals:
- St. Ambrose (Iowa) - 97.95
- Xavier (La.) - 97.39
- Dickinson State (N.D.) - 96.38
- Saint Mary (Kan.) - 92.02
- Indiana Wesleyan - 90.70
- Northwestern (Iowa) - 89.70
- Cumberlands (Ky.) - 89.37
- Oklahoma City - 88.27
- Missouri Valley - 86.74
- Georgetown (Ky.) - 86.67
- Concordia (Mich.) - 85.23
- Grand View (Iowa) - 83.75
- Tennessee Southern - 81.85
- Florida Memorial - 81.19
- Lourdes (Ohio) - 78.43
