ORLANDO, Fla. - The Coastal Alabama - South Competitive Cheer program closed out a memorable and growth-filled season at the 2026 UCA National Championships, earning a pair of top-six finishes while competing against the nation's best collegiate programs.

In the Small Coed Game Day Division, the Coyotes delivered an outstanding performance in semifinal competition, finishing first overall to advance to the finals as the top-ranked team. A minor mistake during the finals routine ultimately dropped Coastal - South to a sixth-place finish nationally, narrowly missing the championship goal.

The 'Yotes also competed in the Open Small Coed Traditional Division, where more than half of the 20-member roster took the traditional floor at UCA Nationals for the first time in their collegiate careers. Despite high nerves and falling just short of the team's standard for execution, Coastal - South still earned a sixth-place national finish, showcasing resilience and poise on one of competitive cheer's biggest stages.

"I cannot put into words how incredibly proud I am of this team and the growth they have shown in such a short period of time," said head coach Cassidy Goodwin. "They have grown tremendously as athletes, but even more importantly, they have grown closer to each other and closer to God."

Throughout the Nationals season, the Coyotes emphasized faith, unity and purpose, beginning every practice and showcase with a team devotional. The program also attended church together on both Sundays leading up to the trip to Orlando, with multiple athletes sharing devotionals, Bible verses, quotes and personal testimonies along the way.

While the team was understandably disappointed following its performances, Goodwin reminded the athletes that one competition does not define them or the program.

"I told them that I love them and that this moment does not define who they are," Goodwin said. "One day they will look back and realize they gained so much more from this season, from each other and from this program than they ever could have from winning a national championship."

Coastal Alabama - South Competitive Cheer now turns its focus toward finishing the basketball cheer season, continuing recruitment efforts and preparing for upcoming cheer tryouts later this semester, building on the foundation laid during the 2026 campaign.

 

   

 

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