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One year after making program history with their first national title, the University of New England cheer team is heading back to Daytona Beach for the 2026 NCA National Championship, this time with a target on their backs. As defending champions, UNE isn’t just competing; they’re fighting to prove last year wasn’t a one-time moment, but the start of a legacy. This story will explore the pressure of defending a title, how the team has evolved since last season, and what it takes mentally and physically to return to the national stage as the team to beat.

Feature Creature | Early Draft (200-300 words)

UNE Cheer Returns to Daytona as Defending National Champions

One year after capturing their first national championship, the University of New England cheer team is returning to Daytona Beach, Florida, ready to defend their title at the NCA Nationals

Mackenzie Schors, Sophomore Reporter

Although designated as a club sport, the University of New England cheer team plays a major role in energizing the campus community both on the sidelines and on the competition mat. Each season begins shortly after the team is announced, when athletes shift their focus to preparing for NCA Camp held at UMass Amherst in Massachusetts. At camp, the team trains with experienced collegiate coaches, builds chemistry, and refines skills that set the foundation for the year ahead. In the spring of 2025, UNE Cheer competed at the NCA National Championship, and made history by becoming UNE’s first ever National Champions. Later in the year, they earned a silver bid at NCA Camp, an invitation that covers part of the cost of competing at NCA Nationals and recognizes the team’s strong performance and technical ability. Throughout the fall, the team balances cheering at UNE home football games with continued training, all leading up to the NCA Nationals in Daytona Beach, Florida, a premier spring competition that brings together college and university teams from across the country.

In the months leading up to Daytona, the team practices three days a week, dividing its fall season between football commitments and national preparation before focusing entirely on NCA Nationals in the winter and early spring. These dedicated athletes perform at every UNE home football game while also developing a high-energy routine filled with stunting, tumbling, dance, and synchronized motion. Their ability to execute advanced collegiate-level skills with precision and confidence, while maintaining constant energy and enthusiasm, highlights the commitment and teamwork that drive their success on the national stage.

Their team is led by Head Coach Alison Bromski and Assistant Coach Cady Toussaint, their president and team captain Ari Howe, as well as their vice presidents and co-captains Giselle Piedrahita and Kiara Martinez.

Feature Creature | Developing Draft (400-500 words)

UNE Cheer Returns to Daytona as Defending National Champions
Mackenzie Schors, Sophomore Reporter

One year after capturing their first national championship, the University of New England cheer team is returning to Daytona Beach, Florida, ready to defend their title at the NCA National Championship.

Although designated as a club sport, the University of New England cheer team plays a major role in energizing the campus community both on the sidelines and on the competition mat. From football games in the fall to national competition preparation in the spring, UNE Cheer maintains a demanding schedule that reflects the intensity of collegiate cheerleading at the national level.

Each season begins shortly after the team is announced, when athletes shift their focus toward preparation for NCA Camp held at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. At camp, the team trains with experienced collegiate coaches, builds chemistry, and refines technical skills that form the foundation for the season ahead. Performance evaluations at camp determine bid placements, which help teams qualify for nationals and offset competition costs.

In the spring of 2025, UNE Cheer made program history by winning its first-ever national championship at NCA Nationals in Daytona Beach. Later that year, the team earned a silver bid at NCA Camp, a significant honor that recognizes both technical ability and overall performance quality. The bid also assists with travel and competition expenses, helping make the return trip to nationals possible.

Throughout the fall season, UNE Cheer balances cheering at all home football games with continued training and conditioning. Practices are held three days a week, with athletes dedicating hours to perfecting stunts, tumbling passes, dance elements, and synchronized motions. As winter approaches, the team transitions fully into national competition mode, increasing focus on routine execution, endurance, and consistency.

The NCA National Championship, held annually in Daytona Beach, is one of the most prestigious collegiate cheer competitions in the country. Teams from universities across the nation compete on the iconic Daytona Bandshell, performing high-energy routines that are judged on difficulty, execution, and overall performance. Returning as defending champions places UNE Cheer in a unique position, bringing both heightened expectations and motivation as they prepare to take the mat once again.

The team is led by Head Coach Alison Bromski and Assistant Coach Cady Toussaint, alongside student leadership including president and team captain Ari Howe (Class of 2026, Medical Biology, Pre-Med), and vice presidents and co-captains Giselle Piedrahita (Class of 2027, Dental Hygiene) and Kiara Martinez (Class of 2028, Dental Hygiene). Together, the coaching staff and leadership team guide the program through a season defined by discipline, teamwork, and school pride as UNE Cheer prepares to represent the university on the national stage once again.

Feature Creature | Workshop Draft (600-750 words)

UNE Cheer Returns to Daytona as Defending National Champions
By: Mackenzie Schors, Sophomore Reporter

Although designated as a club sport, the University of New England cheer team plays a major role in energizing the campus community both on the sidelines and on the competition mat. From football games in the fall to national competition preparation in the spring, UNE Cheer maintains a demanding schedule that reflects the intensity of collegiate cheerleading at the national level.

Performance evaluations determine bid placements, which help teams qualify for nationals and offset competition costs. Last year, UNE earned a silver bid, recognizing both technical ability and overall performance quality while assisting with travel expenses.In the spring of 2025, UNE Cheer made program history by winning its first-ever national championship in the All-Girl division against 16 teams. “This year, we are switching to the Coed division and expect a similar number.” Said Alison Bromski, UNE Cheer’s Head Coach.

Division sizes vary annually based on qualification, gender distribution, and style selection, but performance divisions typically include between 10 and 30 teams. UNE will not know its exact competitors until the weeks leading up to April, yet the level of competition is expected to mirror last season’s intensity.Unlike other collegiate cheer events, NCA is a yearlong commitment. While competitions such as UCA focus heavily on traditional sideline-style stunts and crowd-leading cheers, NCA routines resemble multiple halftime performances executed back-to-back.

Teams must perform stunts, pyramids, basket tosses, jumps, standing tumbling, running tumbling, and dance within a two-minute and fifteen-second routine. The championship is held on the iconic Daytona Beach Bandshell, where teams perform in front of judges and thousands of spectators.Scoring at NCA is split largely between difficulty and execution. Judges reward teams that perform the highest-level skills allowed in their division while maintaining near-perfect timing, technique, and synchronization.

Every motion, landing, and body position matters. Even minor errors in choreography or timing can lower a score. The largest deductions, however, stem from safety violations. Illegal skills, improper twisting landings, falls, or required saves from NCA spotters can significantly impact a team’s placement.For UNE, standing out in such a competitive field requires more than clean execution. Creativity plays a major role. This year’s routine features a unique “out of your league” baseball theme, custom-wrapped music, and detailed choreography designed to highlight the team’s personality. “This year, we will stand out because we are performing a couple of skills that have never been done before,” said Bromski.

Preparation for that moment on the mat begins months in advance. Throughout the fall, the team balances cheering at all home football games with structured practices three days per week. As winter approaches, practices intensify. Athletes warm up and perform their full routine as if they are already competing in Daytona. Afterward, they review practice footage, evaluate themselves using official scoresheets, and make corrections to eliminate any room for error.

Mentally, the pressure is significant. Teams train all year for one opportunity to perform their routine twice over two days of competition. Hitting a routine, meaning zero deductions and zero major mistakes, is the ultimate goal. “We always practice as if we are performing, so, when it is time to compete, we just need to focus in and do our daily grind.” Said Bromski. No tumbler falls, no flyer leans, no base bobbles. Beyond scoring advantages, hitting prioritizes athlete safety and represents executing the routine to the best of the team’s ability. “Last year, we hit every skill on both days of competition” Said Bromski, on a defining factor in securing the national title.

The team is led by Head Coach Alison Bromski and Assistant Coach Cady Toussaint, alongside student leadership including president and captain Ari Howe (Class of 2026, Medical Biology, Pre-Med), and vice presidents and co-captains Giselle Piedrahita (Class of 2027, Dental Hygiene) and Kiara Martinez (Class of 2028, Dental Hygiene). Together, the coaching staff and athletes emphasize discipline, trust, and pride as they prepare to represent the university once again.

As UNE Cheer returns to Daytona as defending champions, the expectations are higher, but so is the confidence. With elevated difficulty, creative vision, and months of preparation behind them, the team is ready to take the mat and prove that last year’s title was only the beginning.

Feature Creature | Revised Draft (750 words)

UNE Cheer Returns to Daytona as Defending National Champions

One year after capturing their first national championship, the University of New England cheer team is returning to the Daytona Bandshell, ready to defend their title at the NCA National Championship.

By: Mackenzie Schors, Sophomore Reporter

No tumbler falls. No flyer leans. No base bobbles.

One year after capturing their first national championship, the University of New England cheer team is headed back to Daytona Beach, Florida, ready to defend their title at the National Cheerleaders Association Collegiate National Championship. This time, the Nor’easters return not as hopeful contenders, but as reigning champions, carrying both confidence and a target on their backs.

Pictured above, the team marks their championship with the traditional post-win ocean plunge. Touching the water before competing is considered bad luck, making this a celebration of the effort and dedication that brought the trophy back to Biddeford. The moment has become symbolic for the program, a reminder of how far UNE Cheer has come in a short amount of time.

The 2026 squad faces higher expectations and a new challenge: competing in the Coed division with two new male athletes, including Mike Rollins, a graduate student in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program, who had never before been a cheerleader. “To feel so welcomed by the coaches and all the athletes who have given me the chance to grow during my first year has been a great experience,” Rollins said. His addition reflects the team’s adaptability and commitment to evolving at the highest level.

New opponents and a reset competitive landscape await, and as defending champions, UNE knows every team in their division will be gunning for their title. The shift to Coed introduces different skill requirements, stronger stunts, and a faster pace, forcing the team to refine not only their technique but their overall performance strategy.

At the iconic Daytona Beach Bandshell, teams perform high-intensity routines before judges and thousands of spectators. In just over two minutes, they execute stunts, pyramids, basket tosses, tumbling, and dance, where precision can make the difference between first and second place. The pressure is immense, but it is also what makes the experience unforgettable for athletes who have trained all year for this moment.

For UNE, standing out requires more than simply hitting a clean routine. This year’s performance features a bold “out of your league” baseball theme, with custom-wrapped music and choreography designed to elevate the difficulty beyond last season’s championship routine. The routine not only highlights technical ability but also personality, creativity, and crowd engagement.

“This year, we will stand out because we are performing a couple of skills that have never been done before,” said head coach Alison Bromski. The emphasis on innovation reflects a program that refuses to remain stagnant, even after reaching the top.

The team trains year-round for two performances over two days in April. The ultimate goal is to “hit,” meaning completing the routine with zero deductions and zero major mistakes.

“We always practice as if we are performing, so when it is time to compete, we just need to focus in and do our daily grind,” Bromski said. That consistency has become a defining characteristic of the program.

Beyond the physical preparation, the mental weight of defending a national title looms large. UNE is no longer the underdog program looking to make history; it is the program others are hoping to beat. “It feels amazing returning as National Champions, although it is nerve-racking as there are going to be a lot of teams coming for our title this year,” said Danica Rutowski, a class of 2027 dental hygiene student.

For returning athletes and newcomers alike, the trip represents more than competition; it is a culmination of trust, resilience, and shared purpose, a chance to represent UNE nationally and inspire future Nor’easters at home watching proudly.

As UNE Cheer returns to Daytona as defending champions, expectations are higher, but so is the confidence. “We heard that some competitors are relieved we moved from All-Girl to Coed, which is certainly flattering!” Bromski added.

With elevated difficulty, creative vision, and months of preparation, the team is ready to prove that last year’s title was only the beginning. “Each team is always trying to top the most recent champion, so I’m sure there are some focused on beating us. That said, I hope they are all still excited to be fighting it out for the title together and putting their love for the sport above all else.”

Workshop Experience Reflection

Participating in the workshop for my article was a really valuable experience, as it gave me the opportunity to see my writing from perspectives other than my own. Hearing what my classmates liked about the piece was reassuring, especially when they pointed out the strength of my opening lines and the overall energy of the article. It confirmed that the tone I was aiming for, engaging and exciting, was coming through effectively.

At the same time, the critiques and recommendations were just as helpful, if not more. Some classmates suggested that certain sections could benefit from more clarity or additional context, particularly for readers who may not be familiar with competitive cheerleading. This made me realize that while I understood the subject deeply, I needed to be more intentional about writing for a broader audience. Others recommended tightening a few sentences to improve flow and avoid repetition, which helped me recognize areas where I could be more concise without losing meaning.

One of the most useful parts of the workshop was noticing patterns in the feedback. When multiple people pointed out similar things, such as pacing or areas that felt slightly repetitive, or making it clear what the acronyms I used meant, it became clear where revisions were most needed. It helped me prioritize my edits and approach my revisions with more purpose.

Overall, the workshop reinforced the importance of collaboration in the writing process. It showed me that strong writing is not just about getting words on the page, but about refining those words with the help of others. I left the workshop feeling more confident in my article, with a clearer understanding of how to strengthen it before final submission.

Project as a Whole Reflection

The process of writing this article was both challenging and rewarding, as it required me to balance storytelling with factual reporting. From the beginning, I knew I wanted to capture the excitement and significance of UNE Cheer returning to Daytona as defending national champions, while also providing enough context for readers to fully understand the impact of that achievement.

One of the most important parts of the process was gathering information, particularly quotes from athletes and coaches. Including their voices added authenticity and depth to the article, making it feel more personal and engaging. It also helped me shift from simply describing events to telling a more complete story about the team’s journey, challenges, and mindset heading into the competition.

Drafting the article took multiple revisions, especially when it came to structure and flow. I focused on creating a strong lead that would immediately draw readers in, and then worked on organizing the rest of the piece in a way that felt logical and cohesive. At times, I found it difficult to decide what information to include or leave out, as there were many details I felt were important. Learning to prioritize the most relevant and impactful information was a key part of the process.

Another challenge was maintaining a consistent tone throughout the article. I wanted it to feel professional and informative, while still capturing the energy and spirit of the team. This required careful word choice and attention to pacing, especially in sections describing the routine and competition environment.

Overall, this experience helped me grow as a writer by reinforcing the importance of revision, audience awareness, and balance between detail and clarity. It also gave me a greater appreciation for the work that goes into sports journalism and storytelling. I am proud of how the article developed from an initial idea into a polished final piece, and I feel more confident in my ability to approach similar writing tasks in the future.