Minnesota’s Athletic Powerhouse: A Journey Through Gopher Sports

The University of Minnesota spirit squad upheld its remarkable tradition, achieving two national titles at the 2025 UCA & UDA College Cheerleading & Dance Team National Championships this weekend in Orlando, Florida. The Gophers secured championships in Cheer (Small Coed Game Day) and Dance (Pom).

The Minnesota spirit squad stands as one of the most celebrated and historic programs in the nation, boasting 28 combined UCA/UDA National Championships. This victory signifies the program’s inaugural win in Cheer and the 23rd title in Dance.

Minnesota kicked off the competition on Friday, marking its first national title in Small Coed Game Day. They outperformed San Diego State and Penn State. The Gophers were the runner-up in Small Coed Cheer, with Bowling Green claiming the championship and Penn State finishing third.

The Minnesota dance team continued its winning streak on Sunday evening, taking home the championship in the Pom division. The Gophers achieved their third consecutive Pom title, with Ohio State and Tennessee placing second and third, respectively. In Jazz, the Gophers finished as the runner-up, while Ohio State won the championship and Michigan came in third.

Goldy Gopher achieved a fourth-place national finish in the mascot division, while Cincinnati (Bearcat), Tennessee (Smokey), and Auburn (Aubie) secured first, second, and third places, respectively.

Cheer:

Small Coed Game Day: National Champions

1. Minnesota

2. San Diego State

3. Penn State

First-ever cheer national championship in the history of the University of Minnesota

Small Coed Cheer

1. Bowling Green

2. Minnesota

3. Penn State

Dance:

Jazz

1. Ohio State

2. Minnesota

3. Michigan

Pom: National Champions

1. Minnesota

2. Ohio State

3. Tennessee

Mascot:

Mascot Division

1. Cincinnati (Bearcat)

2. Tennessee (Smokey)

3. Auburn (Aubie)

4. Minnesota (Goldy Gopher)