1. Competition Venues
This event takes over multiple locations in Daytona, and each performance space has its own vibe, challenges, and logistical factors to consider. Here’s what you need to know about the two major venues:

• 🏟 The Ocean Center (Indoor Venue)
  This is where Prelims and Finals for many divisions take place. It’s a fully enclosed arena, so lighting, acoustics, and crowd noise will feel different from an outdoor setting.
  The mat placement and spectator seating layout can impact how your routine is perceived, so try to review past performances in this space to see what works best.
  Expect strong air-conditioning—something to consider for warm-ups if your athletes are used to practicing in a warmer gym.
• 🌊 The Daytona Beach Bandshell (Outdoor Venue)
  This is one of the most iconic performance stages in cheerleading, where top teams compete with the ocean as their backdrop.
  Weather plays a role here—humidity, wind, and bright sunlight can all impact your routine. Be prepared for adjustments!
  The sound carries differently outdoors, so your team should practice projecting their voices and energy more than they would in an enclosed space.

• 💡 Pro Tip: If your team is competing in multiple locations, plan for extra transition time between venues. The walk from the Ocean Center to the Bandshell isn’t far, but moving a large group through the crowds can take longer than expected.

2. Make Small Tweaks to Maximize Crowd Engagement

Daytona is coming up fast, there’s no time for massive overhauls—but small, strategic changes can make a huge difference in how the crowd reacts to your routine. Here are some last-minute adjustments that can take your performance from great to unforgettable:

1. Play to the Crowd—Literally

• Find moments in your routine where your team can make eye contact, point, or interact with the audience. Even a well-placed smirk, wink, or fist pump can make the crowd feel like they’re part of the performance.
• If you’ve got a signature chant, dial it up—encourage teammates on the sidelines to echo key words, making it feel bigger and more powerful.

2. Add a Quick Hit of Showmanship

• Fight song-style moments—where the whole team claps or motions together—can amplify energy without changing choreography.
• If your routine has a quick pause, try adding a synchronized head snap, chest pop, or pose to emphasize the moment and give the audience a second to react.
• Use facials intentionally—a well-timed “WOW” face after a big trick makes it look even more impressive.

3. Adjust Your Formation for Maximum Impact

• If your pyramid or dance section looks a little flat, consider tightening the spacing slightly so the effect reads bigger from the audience’s perspective.
• Keep front-facing athletes aware of where the cameras are so your routine translates well for livestream and judges’ views.

3. Scout and Learn from Top Competitors

Looking back at previous NCA & NDA Collegiate Cheer and Dance Championships can really help you understand the competition and see the high standards top teams set. By studying what these programs have achieved, you can find inspiration and set benchmarks for your own team’s preparation.

Notable Champions from Recent Years:

• University of Louisville All-Girl Cheer Squad: Demonstrating consistent excellence, the University of Louisville’s All-Girl Cheer Squad secured their tenth consecutive national championship in 2024, edging out competitors by a margin of just over 0.02 points. Go Cards
• Weber State University: In 2023, Weber State University clinched the Large Coed Grand National Championship with an impressive score of 98.0833, showcasing their superior skills and synchronization.
  Cheer Updates
• Brigham Young University (BYU) Cougarettes: BYU’s dance team, known as the Cougarettes, has a storied history of success, amassing 26 national championships as of 2024. Their dominance spans multiple categories, including Jazz and Hip Hop divisions.
  Wikipedia
• Navarro College: Under the guidance of coach Monica Aldama, Navarro College’s cheerleading team has achieved remarkable success, securing 16 NCA National Championships in the Advanced Large Coed division since 2000.
  Wikipedia
• Davenport University: Davenport’s cheerleading program has demonstrated consistent excellence, winning multiple NCA National Championships across various divisions, including titles in 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017.
  Wikipedia

4. Keep the Team Organized & Stress-Free

The more structure and predictability you provide, the less stress your athletes will feel:
✅ Create a daily itinerary—Lay out everything from wake-up times to practice sessions to meal breaks, so nobody has to guess what’s next.
✅ Pack smart—Encourage athletes to do a “full-dress rehearsal” at home so they don’t forget anything (nothing worse than realizing you left your cheer shoes behind).
✅ Assign roles—Designate someone to handle last-minute runs for forgotten items and another person to keep everyone on schedule during competition day.

5. Encourage Community and Family Involvement

Building a support network enhances the experience:

• Communication: Keep families informed about schedules, expectations, and ways they can support the team.
• Appreciation Events: Host gatherings to thank supporters and build a sense of community around your program.

By implementing these strategies, you can lead your team to a successful and enriching experience at the NCA & NDA Collegiate Cheer and Dance Championship. Remember, thorough preparation, adaptability, and a positive mindset are key components of competitive excellence.