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Gopher Spirit Squad Set to Defend Titles at 2026 National Championships
1/15/2026 9:07:00 AM | Spirit Squad
The University of Minnesota Spirit Squad is attending the UCA/UDA College National Championships, Jan. 16-18 in Orlando. Fla.Â
The Spirit Squad hosted their annual Best of the Best Showcase presented by Good Molecules on Jan. 11 at Williams Arena, performing in front of a packed Barn. Best of the Best is an invitational showcase, featuring high school and collegiate dance and cheer teams from across the greater midwest. The reigning D1A Pom national champion Gopher dance team debuted their Jazz and Pom routines, Goldy performed his Mascot Championship skit, and Gopher Cheer showcased their Small Coed Cheer Game Day and Small Coed Traditional routines for a crowd of over 8,000.
This year, the Minnesota Dance Team welcomed back renowned former Gopher dancer Ava Wagner to choreograph Jazz with Assistant Coach Lauren Busyn, and once again Head Coach Amanda Gaines choreographed the team's Pom routine with her longtime collaborator Anna Hilty.Â
Gopher Cheer's Small Coed Cheer traditional routine was choreographed by Team Coach Dan Weaver, and Assistant Coach Abby DeThorne returned as choreographer for the team's Game Day routine as they look to defend their first national title.
Minnesota's Spirit Squad is one of the most decorated and historic programs in the nation, with 28 combined UCA/UDA National Championships. The Gophers continue pushing the competitive cheer & dance world into the spotlight with their innovative performances and success in competition, and several local news outlets are traveling down to Orlando to cover the Championships on the ground.
To learn more or follow along with the UCA/UDA College National Championships, click below:
UCA Info: https://www.varsity.com/uca/school/competitions/college-nationals/
UDA Info: https://www.varsity.com/uda/school/competitions/college-nationals/
Watch live via Varsity TV: https://flosports.link/4mZS8ML
Follow the Gopher Spirit squads on social media:
Minnesota Spirit Squad - @GopherSpiritSquad (Instagram, TikTok)
Minnesota Cheerleading - @GopherCheer (Instagram, TikTok)
Minnesota Dance - @UofMDanceTeam (Instagram, TikTok)
Goldy Gopher - @GoldyTheGopher (Instagram, X, TikTok)
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The Spirit Squad hosted their annual Best of the Best Showcase presented by Good Molecules on Jan. 11 at Williams Arena, performing in front of a packed Barn. Best of the Best is an invitational showcase, featuring high school and collegiate dance and cheer teams from across the greater midwest. The reigning D1A Pom national champion Gopher dance team debuted their Jazz and Pom routines, Goldy performed his Mascot Championship skit, and Gopher Cheer showcased their Small Coed Cheer Game Day and Small Coed Traditional routines for a crowd of over 8,000.
This year, the Minnesota Dance Team welcomed back renowned former Gopher dancer Ava Wagner to choreograph Jazz with Assistant Coach Lauren Busyn, and once again Head Coach Amanda Gaines choreographed the team's Pom routine with her longtime collaborator Anna Hilty.Â
Gopher Cheer's Small Coed Cheer traditional routine was choreographed by Team Coach Dan Weaver, and Assistant Coach Abby DeThorne returned as choreographer for the team's Game Day routine as they look to defend their first national title.
Minnesota's Spirit Squad is one of the most decorated and historic programs in the nation, with 28 combined UCA/UDA National Championships. The Gophers continue pushing the competitive cheer & dance world into the spotlight with their innovative performances and success in competition, and several local news outlets are traveling down to Orlando to cover the Championships on the ground.
To learn more or follow along with the UCA/UDA College National Championships, click below:
UCA Info: https://www.varsity.com/uca/school/competitions/college-nationals/
UDA Info: https://www.varsity.com/uda/school/competitions/college-nationals/
Watch live via Varsity TV: https://flosports.link/4mZS8ML
Follow the Gopher Spirit squads on social media:
Minnesota Spirit Squad - @GopherSpiritSquad (Instagram, TikTok)
Minnesota Cheerleading - @GopherCheer (Instagram, TikTok)
Minnesota Dance - @UofMDanceTeam (Instagram, TikTok)
Goldy Gopher - @GoldyTheGopher (Instagram, X, TikTok)
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