DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – The University of the Incarnate Word cheerleading and dance teams took to a national stage, competing in the 2023 NCA & NDA Collegiate National Championship on April 5-9, 2023, in Daytona Beach, Florida.
 
UIW cheerleading placed fifth out of 17 teams in the Intermediate Small Coed Division I level. The Cardinals are led by first-year head coach Elyssa Barrientos who coached the team to a top-five finish in their first year competing in four years.

1. Kennesaw St Univ Athletic Assoc – 97.3079
2. College of Charleston – 96.2893
3. Southern University – 95.0579
4. Jackson State University – 94.5047
5. University of the Incarnate Word – 93.5

"We are a program that has been rebuilding as none of our student-athletes on this current team have competed at college nationals," said Barrientos. "We knew that we needed to put in the work to prove to everyone that we are a program to look for in the future. We came out and ended up taking home a top-five finish, proving we're a strong competitor."
 
Dance competed for the first time in UIW history under second-year head coach Amanda Lopez, taking home ninth place. The Cardinals competed in the Team Performance Division I category against tough teams that have won multiple national championships.
 
"Through all adversity, uncertainty, and challenges, this team placed ninth in their division," Lopez stated.  "We are more than proud of them for setting the path for the future of UIW dance. Thank you to everyone who believed in us and helped us achieve our goal of competing at nationals."
 
FOLLOW ALONG  
For the most up-to-date information on UIW Athletics, visit uiwcardinals.com, follow the Cardinals on Twitter @UIWAthletics and like UIW Athletics on Facebook.    
Follow the team on Instagram @uiwdance and @uiwcheer.