Title: Pride of WVU: The Mountaineers Cheerleading Team Shines on National Stage
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — In a moment of triumph that will be etched in West Virginia University history, the Mountaineers Cheerleading Team has claimed a top national title at the Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA) College Nationals, earning both applause and admiration across the Mountain State and beyond.
What began as a hopeful season filled with long practices, icy early mornings at the Coliseum, and late-night conditioning drills has culminated in gold. Competing in the Division IA Game Day and Traditional categories, the WVU squad delivered routines so sharp, synchronized, and spirited that the judges and crowd at Orlando’s ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex were left in awe.
This year’s routine blended technical complexity with Appalachian pride—flipping, tumbling, and chanting with precision, while weaving in traditional WVU chants and even a nod to “Country Roads” in their final pyramid sequence. Their gold and blue uniforms shimmered under the arena lights as they executed high-flying basket tosses, stunts, and synchronized motions that symbolized the Mountaineers’ blend of athleticism, school spirit, and fierce discipline.
Coach Danielle Porter, who has led the program for the past five seasons, fought back tears as the final scores were announced. “This team gave everything—heart, sweat, even tears—since August,” she said. “They don’t just represent WVU. They are WVU. And tonight, the nation saw that.”
The win also marked a cultural moment for the university. For years, the cheer program has been seen as the energetic engine behind Mountaineer football and basketball, rallying fans at Milan Puskar Stadium and the WVU Coliseum. But now, they stand proudly in the national spotlight as champions in their own right.
Senior captain Mariah Jenkins, a Morgantown native and lifelong WVU fan, described the moment as “surreal.” “I’ve cheered on the Mountaineers since I was in pigtails,” she said. “To be here now, as a senior, leading this team to a national title—it’s the dream. We did this for our state.”
Social media lit up moments after the announcement. WVU alumni, including NFL stars, former athletes, and university officials, flooded the team’s Instagram with messages of pride and support. Even Governor Jim Justice tweeted, “Proud doesn’t even begin to cover it. Way to go, Mountaineers! You’ve made West Virginia proud!”
The team’s success also carried extra meaning this year, as they dedicated their season to late alumna and former cheerleader Kayla Scott, who passed away last spring. A small patch with her initials was stitched onto every uniform, and during the awards ceremony, the team pointed skyward in a silent tribute.
As the Mountaineers return to Morgantown with their trophy in tow, celebrations are already being planned. A parade through High Street, a halftime recognition during the next WVU basketball game, and a reception at the Mountainlair are all in the works.
In the words of junior flyer Taylor Ramos, “We’re not just the ones on the sideline anymore. Today, we’re center stage. And this is only the beginning.”
The Pride of WVU, indeed.
