Alabama All Girl Cheer Claims UCA Division IA National Championship

Shane James
3 Min Read
UA Athletics
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ORLANDO, Fla. — The University of Alabama cheer team added another chapter to its championship history, winning the UCA Division IA All Girl National Championship at the 2026 UCA/UDA College Cheerleading and Dance Team National Championship.

Alabama posted a final-round score of 93.5 to claim the title, finishing ahead of University of South Florida, which earned runner-up honors with an 89.6. The win marks the Crimson Tide’s eighth national championship overall and its fourth title in the Division IA All Girl category, the first since 2022.

The three-day national championship event was held at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex and featured top collegiate programs from across the country.

A Milestone Win for the Program and Its Seniors

Led by head coach Jennifer Thrasher, Alabama’s All Girl squad delivered a composed and confident performance in the finals, securing the program’s second national championship in as many seasons.

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“Our All Girl team winning the program’s eighth national championship is a tremendous accomplishment and a testament to their talent, preparation, and execution at such a high level,” Thrasher said. “Not a single member of this team had won a national title in their time at Alabama, so it was really special for these seniors to go out on top.”

After capturing the UCA Division IA Coed national title in 2025, Alabama also competed in that division again this season, finishing fourth overall with a final score of 87.1.

Strong Finishes Across Alabama Spirit Program

Alabama’s spirit squads produced multiple top-10 finishes throughout the championship weekend at the UCA/UDA College Cheerleading & Dance Team National Championship.

The Crimson Tide placed third in the Division IA Game Day Dance Finals with a score of 90.81. Alabama followed with a ninth-place finish in Division IA Jazz, scoring 90.51, and closed the weekend with a seventh-place result in the Division IA Mascot competition after earning an 89.48.

“Every team in our program finishing in the top 10 nationally is a reflection of the standard of excellence across our entire spirit program,” Thrasher said. “We talk a lot about honoring the legacy of those who came before us and making sure we leave something meaningful for those who come next.”

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Stay with Cheer Daily for collegiate cheer coverage, championship breakdowns, and program spotlights from across the country.

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Shane is the Publisher of Cheer Daily, the industry’s leading platform for cheerleading news. With decades of experience in media, publishing, and digital strategy, he has helped shape how the cheerleading world connects with brands, events, and the sport itself. A former LSU Cheerleader and Associate Publisher at Inside Cheerleading Magazine, Shane has dedicated his career to elevating cheerleading media. He is also a co-author of Cheerleading: From Tryouts to Championships (2007) and the creator of Team iC and other industry-changing initiatives. From 2007 to 2016, Shane served on the USASF National Advisory Board, contributing to the growth and governance of All Star cheerleading. His impact on the industry was recognized in 2011 when he was inducted into the UPA Hall of Fame, and again in 2014 when he was named to Cheer Biz News' 35 Under 35, highlighting his influence as a rising leader in the cheer industry. While at Inside Gymnastics Magazine, Shane covered 10 Gymnastics World Championships and 3 Olympic Games, expanding his expertise in sports media and global event coverage at the highest level.