Cheer Earns Three All-Americans at the 2024 NCA Camp

Westcliff's cheer program conquered the summer with great results at the 2024 National Cheerleading Association College Cheer Camp held in Las Vegas, Nevada, from June 22-25th.

Under the guidance of head coach Eric Anderson, the team has established itself as one of the top in the country, demonstrating consistent success at the highest level.

The NCA Camp is the largest college camp in the nation, with over 35 colleges and 1200 cheerleaders and dancers from across the western part of the country. At the event, the teams and coaches undergo training in leadership, advanced and elite cheer skills, and game-day cheerleading safety.

There were several evaluations and competitions that awarded points toward qualification for the 2025 NCA College Cheer and Dance Championships held in Daytona, Florida.

"Attending this event is how we are able to not only learn the most innovative skills being taught but also to qualify for Nationals," shared head coach Eric Anderson. "The team did amazingly well. Large Coed placed first in our division in game day cheer and first in the rally routine. Our newest team Small Coed Advanced placed second on game day and second in the rally routine. 

"In Coed Partner Stunt we placed first and were awarded Top Gun stunter beating out all the D1 and D2 teams. I believe this is the first time an NAIA school won this title."

The Warriors continued their success and achieved the second-highest score in Large Coed, earning them a gold-paid bid to the 2025 NCA College Championships.

Small Coed finished strong by finishing 12th overall and earning a Bronze Paid Bid.

Westcliff also celebrated some individual achievements as three student-athletes were named to the National Cheerleaders Association Collegiate All-American Team.

Leonel Franco García Mesas - Is in his second season on the team, from Barcelona, Spain. He was awarded the 2024 Westcliff University Athletics Academic Greatness award with a 4.0 GPA last season.

Madison Balsz - Is an incoming freshman from Chino Hills, CA. She was also a member of the California All-Star Rangers team that won gold at the 2024 USASF World Cheerleading Championships.

Yamile Gutierrez Casillas - Is in her third season with the team. Yamile is a very talented all-around athlete who has made a huge comeback from a serious back injury last season that limited her. She is also one of our team leaders.

Coach Anderson persists in motivating his athletes, who consistently meet the high expectations of a championship-level program.

"I am going into my fourth official season here at Westcliff University and we have been growing every year," Anderson said. "I feel this season our growth is in our maturity, confidence, leadership, and culture.

"It's early in the season but if the team continues to build their skills, trust the process, and strengthen our culture, we will be the team to beat in the NAIA."