BAY MINETTE, Ala. - The Coastal Alabama - South Competitive Cheer team, led by sixth-year head coach Cassidy Goodwin, is set to compete on the national stage this weekend at the 2026 UCA National Championships in Orlando, Fla. The Coyotes will take part in both Game Day and Traditional divisions against some of the top collegiate cheer programs in the country.

Coastal Alabama - South enters the weekend with momentum and confidence after a strong showing at last year's national competition, where the Coyotes earned a second-place finish in Game Day and placed fifth in the Traditional division. Preparation for nationals has been anything but easy, as the team has embraced an intense training schedule that includes multiple two-a-day practices, often paired with game-day cheering responsibilities at basketball games and showcases. While demanding, this grind is a familiar reality for competitive college cheer teams during the championship stretch.

"This team has put in the work and trusted the process every step of the way," said Goodwin. "They've shown incredible commitment, resilience, and belief in one another."

The Coyotes are guided by a set of team mottos that have defined their season: Faith over fear. We over me. Execution over everything. Those principles have fueled the team's focus, unity, and competitive mindset as they prepare to take the mat.

Leadership has been a key strength for Coastal Alabama - South this year, with eight sophomores stepping into expanded roles and setting the standard for the program. They are joined by an impressive freshman class of 21 athletes, more than double the size of the sophomore group, and many of whom will be competing on the college nationals stage for the first time this weekend.

In addition to the cheer team, Coastal Alabama - South's mascot "Yotee" has also been hard at work alongside the squad, contributing to the overall Game Day performance and team energy. Recently, Yotee was a feature on ESPN's Mascot Camp and is one of the more well-known mascots across the NJCAA.

Preliminary rounds will determine advancement to finals, with only the top 50 percent of teams moving on. Finals performance times will be announced following semifinal results. Coastal Alabama - South is scheduled to compete on Friday, Jan. 16 at 1:20 p.m. CT in the Game Day semis, following that performance with a 7:34 a.m. CT routine in the traditional semifinals on Saturday, Jan. 17.

With experience, depth, and a relentless work ethic, the Coyotes head to Orlando ready to compete, represent Coastal Alabama, and chase another national podium finish.

 

For coverage of Coastal Alabama South Athletics, follow the Coyotes on social media at /CoastalAlabamaSouth (Facebook), @CoastalAL_south (Twitter), and @coastalal_south (Instagram), or visit the official home of the Coastal Alabama South Athletic Department at https://coastalcoyotessouth.com/index.aspx