Hardin-Simmons University Cheerleading: Making History By Delani Bauer

On April 11 and 12, Hardin-Simmons University's (HSU) Cheerleading Team competed in Orlando, Fla. at the The College Classic 2026 National Championship.  

HSU Cheerleading brought home the national championship title in the College Classic Spirit Showdown All Girl Game Day Division.

HSU Cheerleading has not competed in over 25 years, making the 2026 squad the first team to place nationally.  This accomplishment sets a strong foundation for the cheerleading program moving forward and establishes a new standard for the University.

The HSU Cheer team is led by former assistant coach Tiffany McMurray.  This season is McMurray’s second year leading the cheerleading program.  The squad's co-captains are Lilly McAnally, junior exercise science major from McKinney and Emma Colna, senior biology major from Charleston, S.C.

The team’s routine consisted of a three-minute performance featuring tumbling, stunting, signs, a chant, cheer and band dance. Twelve HSU Cheerleaders represented the university on the mat.

The preliminary competition was held on April 11, where the HSU Cheer team finished the day in second place, carrying the same energy and excitement into day two.

During the preliminary competition, the team’s music for the band dance did not play. The cheerleaders performed it to counts, relying on their timing and teamwork to finish strong. The team was later given the opportunity to perform the entire routine again and were rescored in all categories.  Despite the setback, the team did not let the mishap affect their day two performance, returning with confidence and determination to deliver a strong routine.

Ada McCutchen, sophomore psychology major from Abilene, competed in the 2026 Battle Championship in the Tumble Rumble Division.  McCutchen performed both a standing and running tumbling pass with perfect execution.

The team’s success and resilience reflects not only their athletic ability and months of preparation, but also their commitment to representing HSU with spirit and excellence on the national stage.

HSU Cheerleading was welcomed home at the Abilene Regional Airport on the afternoon of April 13 by family, staff, facility and friends.  The welcoming served as a congratulations for the team’s groundbreaking accomplishment.

You can follow the team’s journey to nationals and obtain more information about HSU Cheerleading by visiting Instagram @hsutxcheer.