Northwood Cheer Earns Bid To NCA Nationals

MIDLAND, MICH. – The Northwood University cheerleading program has earned a bid to the National Cheerleading Association (NCA) Nationals for the first time in program history, as announced on Wednesday, August 20. This marks a historic milestone as it is the team's first qualification for a national-level competition which includes schools from NCAA and NAIA.

The Timberwolves will travel to Daytona Beach, Florida, from April 8–11, 2026, where they will compete against some of the top collegiate cheerleading programs in the country.

In preparation for Nationals, the team will perform at every home football and basketball game, using the opportunities to fine-tune their stunts and enhance their overall performance.

Head Coach Maggie expressed her pride in the team's progress, especially considering they are only in their second year as a program. "I am not at all surprised – those who have stuck with the program from last year and the freshman who came in this year are the exact type of people it takes to be successful" she said.

The team was thrilled to learn their bid was accepted and is eager to continue training as they gear up for Nationals.