Leavenworth, Kan.—Spire Cheer wrapped up their season with pride, reflecting on months of hard work, dedication, and fighting through adversity. From early practices to high-energy performances, this USM squad showed incredible commitment every step of the way. Through a season that saw a handful of rule changes and a completely new way of scoring, the Spires celebrated their growth, team achievements, and the strong bonds they built along the comp year.
USM cheer was a force to be reckoned with this year. Under the direction of head coach
Andrea Hinson and assistants
Harrison Whitney and
Kadilynn Kelley, the Spires rolled through every obstacle in their way while re-learning the landscape of competitive NAIA cheer through new rules and regulations brought on this season.
However, they would continue to prove that nothing will slow the Spires down as they were named KCAC Champions for the third consecutive season at the conference championships in York, Nebraska, bringing home a final score of 91.3 to earn USM the crown yet again.
Spire cheer went on to battle for the Red Banner in Topeka, Kansas at the 10
th annual NAIA Competitive Cheer and Dance National Championship. USM would leave it all on the mat at Stormont Vail Event Center and proudly bring home a 12
th place finish at the national meet, with head coach Hinson stating, "We are proud to have represented our school at NAIA Cheer Nationals. It's an honor to be recognized as one of the top teams in the nation. I am incredibly proud of the hard work and dedication this team has shown all year."
On top of their already impressive 2026 comp year, Spire sophomore
Dom Mayberry was rightfully named First Team Cheer All-American. This comes incredibly well-earned as Dom has been an integral part of the USM cheer squad throughout his young collegiate career.
The Spires also saw seven athletes named to KCAC post-season teams:
All-KCAC Honorable Mention:
Elysseah Buford
Ava Lowry
All-KCAC Second Team:
Akela McCracken
Elle Jennings
Raniya Hurtault
All-KCAC First Team:
Dominic Mayberry (All-American)
Ricky Cantua
The University of Saint Mary is extremely proud of Spire Cheer for their unwavering dedication, spirit, and the way they represented their program with strength and we are excited to see where this leads USM in the seasons ahead.
