FULLERTON — Hope International University has been recognized as CheerDaily.com's College Program of the Year, a prestigious honor celebrating the remarkable rise of the Royals as one of collegiate cheer and STUNT's premier programs.
The recognition caps an extraordinary period of sustained excellence for Hope International University under the leadership of Head Coach Kori Johnson, whose vision has transformed the Royals into a nationally respected program known for championship performances, athlete development, servant leadership, and competitive excellence.
In just a few short years, HIU has established itself among the nation's elite by building one of the most successful STUNT programs in the country while simultaneously launching a competitive cheer program that immediately made its presence felt on the national stage.
The program's recent accomplishments include:
• Multiple NAIA STUNT National Championships.
• Consecutive conference championships and sustained national rankings.
• National titles at the USA Collegiate Cheer Championships.
• An exceptional inaugural competitive cheer season culminating in top finishes at NCA College Nationals in Daytona Beach.
• National recognition for community service and servant leadership through the prestigious Go Be Great Award.
"This recognition reflects far more than competitive success," said Head Coach Kori Johnson, who was also selected as the Stunt Coach of the Year by CheerDaily.com. "It represents the commitment of our student-athletes to excellence in every area of their lives. They compete with passion, lead with integrity, serve others, and represent Hope International University with character every time they step onto the mat."
The CheerDaily.com honor recognizes programs that demonstrate excellence not only through championship performances, but also through innovation, leadership, athlete development, and positive impact on the collegiate cheer community.
HIU's rapid ascent has been fueled by a culture that emphasizes faith, discipline, academic achievement, and team-first leadership. Student-athletes are challenged to pursue excellence both in competition and in the classroom while serving as ambassadors for the university and the sport.
Since adding sideline cheer to complement its nationally acclaimed STUNT program, Hope International University has continued to elevate its competitive profile through elite recruiting, exceptional coaching, and consistent success against some of the nation's strongest collegiate programs.
The College Program of the Year recognition serves as another milestone in what has become one of the fastest-growing success stories in collegiate cheer and STUNT.
As the Royals look toward the future, the program remains committed to raising the standard of excellence while continuing to develop championship athletes and servant leaders who positively impact their communities both during and after their collegiate careers.
About Hope International University Athletics:
Hope International University, located in Fullerton, California, competes in the NAIA and has become one of the nation's premier destinations for collegiate STUNT and competitive cheer. The Royals have established a championship tradition through a commitment to competitive excellence, academic achievement, Christian leadership, and community engagement.