Spirit Groups' National Championship Cancelled
March 18, 2020 | General
Ladybrds, Small Co-ed, Large Co-ed, All-Girl miss out on competition
March Madness and spring sports cancellation are not the only victims of the nation-wide social distancing. The University of Louisville cheer and dance team members' season also came to an abrupt end as coronavirus forced the cancellation of the biggest competition in the sport.
The National Cheerleaders Association/National Dance Alliance confirmed that Collegiate National Championship scheduled for April 8-12 in Daytona Beach, Florida, has been canceled. The announcement came after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended avoiding any gathering of more than 50 people to slow the spread of coronavirus.
"The cancellation of the NCA/NDA National Championships in Daytona was devastating for the Ladybirds dance team as a whole. It has been especially heartbreaking for our senior team members to not have the opportunity to compete and perform with their team one last time," said Sheryl Knight, head coach of the Ladybirds. "I am proud of the leadership our senior class of Ladybirds has displayed in the face of such disappointment. Our team is made up of fierce competitors. So to not have the opportunity to defend their National Championship this season was difficult for the team to digest. But the women who make up this dance team are not only fierce competitors, but they are talented, smart, strong and above all resilient. The team knows that the cancellation of our nationals is in the best interest of the health and safety of all of the athletes, coaches and spectators who had planned to attend the event. It is unfortunate that the team will not be able to showcase the amazing routines they have worked so hard to perfect and perform. The Ladybirds are a determined group of women. They will rise stronger than ever next season and will bring home another national championship in 2021 season."
This marks the first time in 40 years that this event will not take place.
"While we understand the need to act responsibly and decisively for everyone's health and safety, we hurt for our team, especially our senior's, that had their competitive season end so abruptly. Looking ahead, we look forward to the opportunity to once again compete for national championships and represent our great university. We will Rise As One," said Misty Hodges, UofL Cheerleading Coach.
The National Cheerleaders Association/National Dance Alliance confirmed that Collegiate National Championship scheduled for April 8-12 in Daytona Beach, Florida, has been canceled. The announcement came after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended avoiding any gathering of more than 50 people to slow the spread of coronavirus.
"The cancellation of the NCA/NDA National Championships in Daytona was devastating for the Ladybirds dance team as a whole. It has been especially heartbreaking for our senior team members to not have the opportunity to compete and perform with their team one last time," said Sheryl Knight, head coach of the Ladybirds. "I am proud of the leadership our senior class of Ladybirds has displayed in the face of such disappointment. Our team is made up of fierce competitors. So to not have the opportunity to defend their National Championship this season was difficult for the team to digest. But the women who make up this dance team are not only fierce competitors, but they are talented, smart, strong and above all resilient. The team knows that the cancellation of our nationals is in the best interest of the health and safety of all of the athletes, coaches and spectators who had planned to attend the event. It is unfortunate that the team will not be able to showcase the amazing routines they have worked so hard to perfect and perform. The Ladybirds are a determined group of women. They will rise stronger than ever next season and will bring home another national championship in 2021 season."
This marks the first time in 40 years that this event will not take place.
"While we understand the need to act responsibly and decisively for everyone's health and safety, we hurt for our team, especially our senior's, that had their competitive season end so abruptly. Looking ahead, we look forward to the opportunity to once again compete for national championships and represent our great university. We will Rise As One," said Misty Hodges, UofL Cheerleading Coach.
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