2025 UCA NHSCC: A Historic Year for High School Cheerleading
The 2025 UCA National High School Cheerleading Championship (NHSCC) once again delivered a weekend full of thrilling performances, record-breaking victories, and historic firsts at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Florida. Teams from across the country showcased incredible stunting, tumbling, and overall performance excellence, proving once again why NHSCC is the most prestigious high school cheerleading event of the year.
But this year wasn’t just about the competition—it also marked the end of an era. 2025 was the final year that both Division I (D1) and Division II (D2) teams competed on the same weekend. Starting in 2026, NHSCC will be split into two separate weekends, with D1 teams competing one week and D2 teams competing the following weekend. This historic change will allow for more teams to be showcased, longer breaks, and an even more structured competitive environment moving forward.
With that in mind, teams left everything on the mat this year, knowing it was the last time they would all share the championship weekend together. Let’s break down the biggest winners and moments from NHSCC 2025!
Small Varsity Divisions – The Battle of the Best
One of the most competitive divisions at NHSCC, Small Varsity D1, saw over 100+ teams fighting for a coveted national championship title. Owasso High School delivered an electrifying and flawless routine to claim 1st place, proving they could handle the pressure of such a deep field. Windermere High School earned 2nd place with an impressive display of precision and athleticism, while Mater Dei rounded out the top three with strong technique and high-energy execution.
Over in Small Varsity D2, history was made as Seaford High School from Seaford, NY claimed their first-ever national title. A consistent contender at NHSCC, Seaford has been in the hunt for gold for years, and 2025 was finally their moment. Their performance was a perfect balance of difficulty, execution, and confidence, making them deserving National Champions.
Medium Varsity Divisions – Fierce Competition from Start to Finish
The Medium Varsity D1 division was loaded with elite talent, and Ravenwood High School rose to the occasion to claim the National Championship title. They executed highly difficult stunt sequences with precise timing and synchronization, proving they were the team to beat. Not far behind, Vestavia Hills put on a fantastic performance, securing 2nd place and reaffirming their status as one of the top programs at NHSCC.
For Medium Varsity D2, Liberty Christian High School took home 1st place in the traditional varsity performance division—a historic moment for their program. Known for their dominance in the Game Day division, Liberty Christian successfully transitioned into a championship-winning force in the traditional category, showing their versatility and depth.
Large Varsity Divisions – Redemption and Dominance
The Large Varsity D1 competition was one of the most anticipated of the weekend, and Bingham High School delivered a flawless routine to claim their first-ever NHSCC National Championship. After finishing 2nd in 2024, Bingham returned with unmatched determination and confidence, proving that hard work and resilience pay off. Frederick Douglas High School, another powerhouse, brought insane difficulty and a strong overall routine, earning them 2nd place and keeping their name among the NHSCC elite.
In Large Varsity D2, St. Joseph’s Academy continued their dominant legacy, taking home another National Championship. Their execution of elite-level stunts and tumbling passes was unmatched, helping them continue their NHSCC winning streak that dates back to 2021.
Super Large Varsity Divisions – Big Skills, Big Wins
One of the biggest surprises of the weekend came in Super Large Varsity D1, as Live Oak High School transitioned into this division for the first time—and still managed to take home the National Championship. Live Oak sets the bar high every year with their elite stunt difficulty, creative pyramids, and unmatched energy, making their championship debut in Super Large D1 unforgettable. Brentwood High School,
a program known for its polished execution and impressive technique, earned 2nd place with an incredibly strong performance.
Super Large Varsity D2 was once again controlled by Athens High School, who captured their third consecutive national title. Their catchy "All In for Athens" cheer, combined with unmatched tumbling difficulty, made them the clear National Champions in this highly competitive division.
Coed Champions – Strength, Precision, and History-Making Performances
The Small Varsity Coed D1 division was one of the most competitive and tightly scored of the entire championship. With only 1.5 points in total deductions across all finalists, teams delivered high-energy, technically precise routines, making it an edge-of-your-seat battle. In the end, Blackman High School reclaimed the National Championship, securing their 11th title after finishing as the 2024 runner-up. Their legacy in this division is unmatched, proving once again why they are a dominant force at NHSCC. Pearland High School put on a stellar performance to earn 2nd place, and Strawberry Crest rounded out the top three, showcasing impeccable execution and difficulty.
In Small Varsity Coed D2, Woodford County High School captured their first National Championship since 2018, making their victory even more special. After years of building and refining their program, Woodford County delivered a performance that checked all the boxes—difficulty, execution, and showmanship—to once again reach the top of the podium.
The Large Varsity Coed D1 division has become one of the most-watched and exciting divisions at NHSCC, known for its high-energy performances, innovative choreography, and jaw-dropping stunts. Hudson High School made history by capturing their first-ever NHSCC National Championship, solidifying themselves as a new powerhouse in Large Coed. McCracken County High School took 2nd place with a routine full of precision and difficulty, while Bentonville High School delivered an electrifying performance to secure 3rd place. Each of these three teams left the crowd on their feet, making this division one of the most unforgettable of the weekend.
In Large Varsity Coed D2, Brother Martin High School continued their dominant legacy at NHSCC, but this time in the Large Coed division. After years of success in the Medium Coed category, they stepped up in a bigger division and proved they belonged, executing a routine that showcased clean technique, strong stunting, and unmatched confidence to take home the National Championship title.
JV & Middle School Highlights – The Future is Bright
While varsity teams stole the spotlight, the JV and Middle School divisions proved that the future of cheerleading is stronger than ever.
Live Oak JV secured 1st place in Large JV D1, continuing their program's dominance at NHSCC.
Vestavia Hills JV took home the National Championship in Small JV D1, solidifying their position as one of the most consistent teams at the event.
Eastside Middle School showcased impressive talent in the Middle School division, earning major recognition for their performance.
The End of an Era & A Look Ahead to NHSCC 2026
As the 2025 NHSCC came to a close, it marked the final year that Division I and Division II teams competed on the same weekend. Starting in 2026, UCA will introduce a new format, splitting the championship into two separate weekends, with D1 teams competing one weekend and D2 teams the next.
This historic change aims to provide more opportunities, increased visibility for each division, and a streamlined competition format. While some will miss the energy of an all-in-one event, this shift represents an exciting new era for high school cheerleading, allowing each division to shine on its own stage.
From first-time champions to legendary dynasties, the 2025 UCA NHSCC will be remembered as one of the most competitive and historic championships to date. As teams celebrate their victories and set their sights on 2026, one thing is clear—the future of high school cheerleading has never been brighter.
Congratulations to all the athletes, coaches, and programs who made this championship unforgettable!