UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA, UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA & WESTERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY TAKE TOP CHEER HONORS; THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY & LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY TAKE TOP DANCE HONORS AT THE 2022 UCA & UDA COLLEGE CHEERLEADING & DANCE TEAM NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

MEMPHIS, Tenn., Jan. 18, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Varsity Spirit – the global leader in cheerleading, dance team and band apparel, camps and competitions, and a division of Varsity Brands, the market leader in team sports, school spirit and achievement recognition – is pleased to announce that the University of South Florida, The University of Alabama and Western Kentucky University cheerleading teams, and The Ohio State University and Louisiana State University dance teams, among others, secured first place finishes at the 2022 UCA & UDA College Cheerleading and Dance Team National Championship, respectively. The elite competition, produced by the Universal Cheerleaders Association and Universal Dance Association, took place on January 14-16, 2022 at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at The Walt Disney World®.

This week, college cheerleading and dance teams traveled from across the U.S. to compete at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in hopes of winning a national title. The event hosted nearly 225 cheerleading and dance teams across 44 states. Cheerleading teams are judged on their stunting and tumbling skills, crowd-leading ability, and overall performance, while the dance competition is judged on choreography, technique, execution, and overall effect. The College Game Day divisions, which offer cheer and dance teams the chance to recreate their performances from the sidelines are the newest divisions and have greatly expanded since they debuted in 2018.

"Each year, teams from across the country come together at the UCA & UDA College Cheerleading and Dance Team National Championship to showcase their skills and represent their universities," said Bill Seely, President of Varsity Spirit. "These athletes have spent hundreds of hours raising spirit on their campuses, leading their crowds at games and pep rallies, and supporting their schools' athletic teams. It's truly an honor to host this event, where we can recognize and reward these athletes for their unwavering contribution to their schools and communities, dedication to school spirit, and excellent talent."

Division IA Champions Included:
Large Coed Cheer: University of South Florida
Small Coed Cheer: Western Kentucky University
Coed Cheer Game Day: University of Cincinnati
All Girl Cheer: University of Alabama
All Girl Cheer Game Day: University of Mississippi
Pom: The Ohio State University
Jazz: The Ohio State University
Hip Hop: Louisiana State University
Dance Game Day: The Ohio State University
Spirit Program Game Day: Rutgers University
Mascot: University of Cincinnati

Varsity Spirit live streamed both championships on Varsity TV, a website dedicated to exclusive live coverage and video libraries of Varsity Spirit cheer and dance competitions. Videos of the routines are available for fans who were otherwise unable to attend, and full results listings are available on Varsity TV. The championships will air on ESPN2 and ESPNU beginning in the spring. Viewers can check their local listings for air times.

About Varsity Spirit
Memphis-based Varsity Spirit, the driving force behind cheerleading's dynamic transformation into the high-energy, athletic activity it is today, is the leading global source for all things spirit, including cheerleading, dance team and performing arts. A division of Varsity Brands, Varsity Spirit is a leader in uniform innovation, as well as educational camps, clinics and competitions, impacting more than a million athletes each year. Focused on safety, entertainment and traditional school leadership, Varsity Spirit's employees have been dedicated to celebrating spirit through its brands since 1974. For more information about Varsity Spirit or Varsity Brands, please visit varsity.com or varsitybrands.com.

About Varsity Brands
With a mission to inspire achievement and create memorable experiences for young people, Varsity Brands elevates the student experience, promotes participation and celebrates achievement through three unique but interrelated businesses: BSN SPORTS, a Varsity Sport Brand; Varsity Spirit; and Herff Jones, A Varsity Achievement Brand. Together, these assets promote personal, school and community pride through their customizable products and programs to elementary and middle schools, high schools, and colleges and universities, as well as church organizations, professional and collegiate sports teams and corporations. Through its dedicated employees and independent representatives, Varsity Brands reaches its individual and institutional customers each year through competitions, camps and sales.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Emily Albert
Varsity Spirit
[email protected]

SOURCE Varsity Spirit