SPORTS: TAMIU Spirit program takes 2nd twice at nationals

SPORTS: TAMIU Spirit program takes 2nd twice at nationals

By Kimberling Manning
Bridge contributing writer
Published Tuesday, April 21, 2026

As Texas A&M International University cheer and dance teams recently returned from their national competition in Florida, they brought back two 2nd-place honors. The NCA NDA Championship was April 8 to 11 at Daytona Beach where they competed with 13 Division II Spirit teams.

Reaching the second-highest score in TAMIU Spirit program history, both athletes and coaches said this season was led with a renewed focus on unity, mental strength, performance consistency and, most of all, resilience.

The Dustdevils cheer team scored 93.76, two ranks higher than last year’s placement at the championship. Meanwhile, TAMIU’s dance team achieved back-to-back 2nd-place national finishes as they pushed ahead of Roosevelt University, but finished behind Oklahoma Baptist University. Dance and cheer coach Celina Flores, who took the reins of the program in 2023, said this season stands out since this year’s team has a stronger bond, much like a family. The dynamic within the team is different this year.

“I think this year, we’re way more united than usual,” Flores said. “Every single one of the athletes really wants to be here, and they all want it for each other.”

Both teams worked hard to get ready for the national competition. That goal changed how they practiced each day and made them work harder. Flores said the practices were hard-hitting and tough. The athletes practiced every day, sometimes twice a day, but to balance it, they also incorporated mental exercises to build team connection and purpose.

“We made a poster of our ‘why,’” Flores said. “So when we’re on the floor, it’s more than just performing. It’s about everyone’s reasons.”

Their driven focus derives from a place far beyond just a title, but the combined reasons of every athlete on the floor while they perform.

Although there was a strong momentum, the team faced challenges and, it goes without saying, when the teams faced obstacles, routines changed to meet the need. Recent injuries occurred, which forced them to make last-minute routine changes. Flores said both athletes and coaches had to adapt quickly while maintaining confidence.

“For cheer, we had to redo the routine completely,” she said. “At points, it can feel overwhelming, but it’s about reminding everyone to breathe, take a step back and put their best foot forward.”

Cheerleader Rebecca Salinas said the sport requires constant commitment and discipline. As a cheer athlete for many years, Salinas experienced different levels of discipline from middle school, high school and independent teams to now collegiate cheerleading. She says the demand for collegiate cheer is greater than previous experiences; the schedule and physical intensity are unmatched.

“It’s a lot more competitive,” Salinas said. “The girls are older, they want it more and they take it more seriously.”

Salinas said finding a school, work, social and practice life balance can be extremely challenging, especially during peak season when practices occur more frequently.

“It’s Monday through Friday, sometimes weekends,” she said. “You have to learn time management and fit everything in.”

She added that people underestimate the effort the sport requires. She claims that outward appearances suggest they create routines on the spot and overlook the extensive behind-the-scenes polishing required for a successful program on the national level.

“They think we just stand there and look pretty,” Salinas said. “But we practice a lot, and it’s physically demanding.”

Flores echoed that thought, emphasizing that both spirit sports require an immense amount of athleticism, endurance and precision. It takes effort to make it appear effortless.

“It’s more than pom-poms and smiles,” she said. “It’s a lot harder than what people think.”

Before nationals, Flores said their ultimate goal was to bring home a title, building on recent success, including top-five finishes and a second-place finish for the dance team last season.

“I truly believe that we’re going to be at the top,” Flores said beforehand.

After weeks of intense practices and preparation, described by Flores and her teams, they hosted a public “show-off” performance in early April, inviting anyone who wanted to witness the routines and experience the team’s hard work in person.

With a continuation of their team unity, intense preparation and relentlessness despite setbacks, TAMIU’s cheer and dance programs worked toward making a strong showing on the national stage this spring before bringing back high honors.