BUILT DIFFERENT

By Brandon Petersen

In just five short years, the Westcliff University Cheer program has risen from a brand-new team to a national powerhouse, capturing the attention and respect of the collegiate cheer world.

Under the leadership of Head Coach Eric Anderson, the Warriors achieved unprecedented success this season, winning two national championships and cementing their place among the best programs in the country.

At the 2025 United Spirit Association (USA) College Championships, Westcliff Cheer captured first place in the 4-Year College Advanced Large Coed Division, beating three Division 1A programs with decades of history — University of Hawaii, Cal State Northridge, and New Mexico State University. Westcliff also won the Coed Partner Stunt title at USA, a remarkable achievement for a young NAIA program.

Their success continued at the prestigious 2025 NCA College Nationals, where Westcliff claimed the Advanced Large Coed Open Division National Championship, defeating all NAIA and Division II competitors — including three-time defending Division II champions Lindenwood University and reigning NAIA champions Xavier University of Louisiana.

It is rare for NAIA programs to defeat Division 1A or Division II powerhouses, yet Westcliff Cheer not only competed at that level but came out on top.

"This year we really worked on improving our team culture, setting standards, starting traditions, and getting the team to trust the process," Anderson said. "Success only comes from hard work, dedication, and commitment. I'm so proud of our team members and grateful they trusted me and the process."

The team's individual achievements were equally historic. At USA Nationals, Oscar and Lina captured the Coed Partner Stunt championship, while Christian and Rheanna placed an impressive third. Christian and Rheanna went on to become the first NAIA couple ever to qualify for the NCA Partner Stunt Nationals, competing against almost exclusively Division 1A programs and finishing 17th in the nation.

The team, which features a diverse and international roster, is anchored by captains Alejandro Diaz, Yamile Casillas, Corina Zepeda, Delanie Davis, and Sam Chew, whose leadership Anderson credited as vital to the team's cultural growth.

"We bring together a unique variety of talented, hardworking, and coachable athletes," Anderson said. "Whenever we compete or perform, I tell the team, 'Let's not try to be anyone else. All we can do is be Westcliff, and with our training, that will be enough.'"

Anderson also recognized the impact of his assistant coaches — Brian Jones, Fred Maradei, Laura Quaglio, and Bárbara Lamonier — in helping build the program's success.

"I cannot do this by myself," Anderson said. "They have been passionate about improving our program, and because of them, we were able to overcome so many obstacles and adverse situations this year."

As Westcliff Cheer looks ahead to next season, the goal is clear: defending their titles and achieving a back-to-back championship.

"Now that the season is over, it's back to the drawing board," Anderson said. "Recruiting, training, trusting the process — if we continue on this path, with the returning athletes and new talent coming in, I believe we will be even better."

Reflecting on the program's journey, Anderson noted the remarkable progress that has been made in a short time.

"I have to remind myself when I feel like I fall short or our cheer team is not at a certain skill level," Anderson said. "This program was started from scratch five years ago. I introduced cheerleading to our athletic department, and now we are national champions."

With a season full of groundbreaking achievements behind them, Westcliff Cheer has firmly established itself as one of the premier programs in the nation — and the future looks even brighter.