Orlando, FL - Hope International University's first ever competition cheer team made history this past weekend. The Royals had 2 all girl stunt groups qualify for finals at the Universal Cheerleaders Association College Nationals. Going into this prestigious competition in finals- the groups consisted of Sophia Rosendale, Nicole Contreras, Mackenzie Flowers and Kaitlyn Kelly in 11^th place and Kamea Binnquist, Jamie Goldman, Ivy Martinez and Daisy Yarasca in 10^th place.  After the fierce competition both groups ended up in the top 10 in the nation . The Royals competition were groups from powerhouse D1 cheer programs like West Georgia University, Weber State, University of Delaware, Purdue University, Boulder, North Carolina State and University of Texas to name just a few. 

Both groups had zero deduction and delivered solid performances.  Kamea, ivy, Jamie and Daisy's group moved up two spots in the rankings after the final performance and took 8^th place.  Delivering their best performance to date, the group was crisp and gave an entertaining performance. Senior, Kamea Binnquist said "it's one thing to compete with teammates but another thing to take the mat with girls you love and are willing to fight for, we put it all on the mat today". Sophia, Nicole, Mackenzie and Kat moved up one spot in the final to secure a top 10 placement and ranking. The group gave an electrifying performance that had the crowd cheering.  Senior Nicole Contreras said of the experience "Competing at the highest level has been an experience like no other. Focusing on stunt for the past 3 years and excelling as the years go on has prepared me to compete on the big stage. Qualifying alone was an accomplishment in itself, but placing in the top 10 amongst some of the best cheerleaders in the world was more than I could have ever imagined and doing it alongside my teammates for the past 3 years has made it even better. It was a great way to kick off our stunt season."

"Competing against the best teams in the US alongside my best friends was surreal. I am so blessed to be able to put our school on the map and start a legacy for our program," said senior Jamie Goldman. Hope International University has now made a statement in the cheer world after this weekend, and we are so excited for the future of this program and a full team competition team next year.