Orlando, Fla. – The William Carey Cheer program made history at the 2026 UCA College Nationals, earning silver medalist honors in the Open Small Coed Game Day Division—the highest finish in program history.
 
Head Coach Laura Lightsey praised her team's performance and perseverance throughout the competition.
 
"I am extremely proud of the hard work and dedication of this team," Lightsey said. "This performance was their best, and it was a great feeling knowing that the judges agreed and awarded them the silver medal. It is a great day to be a Crusader."
 
The competition began with 13 teams vying for seven coveted spots in Saturday's finals at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. The Lady Crusaders delivered a strong opening-round routine, securing fourth place with a score of 83.67 and punching their ticket to the championship round.
 
Using the judges' feedback from the semifinals, William Carey returned to the mat with a poised and polished finals performance. Their flawless routine earned an impressive 86.07, finishing just three points behind eventual winner Georgetown College (NAIA) and solidifying their place as national silver medalists.
 
The achievement marks a defining moment for William Carey Cheer and continues the program's upward trajectory.