STUNT Caps Historic Season At National Tournament
The Centenary STUNT team finished its second season in historic fashion with run at the National Tournament.
Nashville, Tenn. - The Centenary STUNT team finished its second season in historic fashion with run at the National Tournament.
USA Cheer hosted the STUNT National Championship Tournament from April 23-26 at Lipscomb University. The Ladies entered the tournament as the #6 seed after finishing their regular season with an 8-9 record.
In game one of the tournament, Centenary took on the #3 seed from St. Mary's College. While the Ladies were unable to capture the win, they put out hard-fought routines and were able to put three points on the board against the # 3 seed. During the tournament, USA Cheer also recognizes a player of the game for each team and the Centenary player of the game was #15 freshman Riley Navarro (Boiling Springs, Pa.).
"Riley was very deserving of the player of the game award during our first game," said Centenary head coach Kaylee King. She was a late addition to our roster, but one that brought a positive impact and really helped us add to the talent of our team. She had a solid performance during game one and deserved the recognition."
In the second round of the tournament, the Ladies faced off against the #4 seed Misercordia University in an eight-round game on Saturday morning to kick off the day. To start the day, #8 junior Ezmeriah Gonzalez (Longview, Texas) opened the morning by singing the national anthem. After the coin toss, Centenary played three solid quarters and had a well-played showing in quarter four to round out the game. With a final score of 13-2, the Ladies fished tournament play.
"I am extremely proud of this team and the grit that they showed all season. To make it to the national championship tournament in only their second season, says a lot about the drive and determination that they possess. This season has been a roller coaster of not only emotions but physical abilities, and there were times where we had to question whether we would even qualify."
"But in the end, they got the opportunity that not every team receives and got to step onto that nationals floor. They not only made history for themselves but for the program. While the national stage brought on some nerves, they were able to leave a solid mark on the mat and help put Centenary College STUNT as a nationally-recognized name. All season long, we used the motto "1% better every day", and these Ladies continued to push to do just that. They are the epitome of resilient, and they have worked endlessly to show that they were deserving of this opportunity. I cannot express enough; how proud I am to have been their coach and to have been able to witness the growth that they have had this season firsthand"
After the second game, USA Cheer once again recognized a player of the game, and the Centenary player of the game was #19 freshman Kim Davis (Leesville, La.).
"Kim has been a solid player for us all season long. Coming into the program with no cheerleading background, she grew her skills quickly and was able to showcase them on the national floor. She kept composed and was able to put out a strong performance throughout the entirety of our second game."
Six teams were welcomed into the National Tournament for DIII; Muskingum University (1), George Fox (2), Saint Mary's College (3), Misercordia (4), Maryville College (5), and Centenary College (6). The ladies held the number five ranking for five weeks straight in the regular season and dropped to number six one week prior to the tournament announcement. Final rankings will take place following the tournament conclusion. Following day Three of tournament action, Centenary College and Maryville College have been eliminated From tournament play leaving the #1-#4 seeds left to play in the semifinals. The championship will conclude on Sunday the 26th.
See the complete Ladies' season schedule here: https://gocentenary.com/sports/stunt/2025-26/schedule
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