Sterling cheer named KCAC Team of Character, finish fifth in Championship
Sterling College Cheer finished fifth at the KCAC Championships of Friday, March 14 in Leavenworth, Kan.
The team came out of prelims in sixth place just .29 points away from fifth. In the final performance the Lady Warriors were able to improve their score to a 60.13 to clinch fifth place.
"They studied their prelim routine and knew what they needed to clean up. Once they hit that mat they did not hold back. Their motions were sharper, stunts were hitting, facials were on point, and dedication was in their eyes. They were so excited and emotional when they walked off that mat because they knew, as a team, they did what they come to do," head coach Jessica Saiz said.
On top of a great team performance, Sterling's Sheridan Neygen was named KCAC All-Conference Honorable Mention.
"Sheridan came to Sterling to play soccer and decided she wanted try cheer. She had never cheered before, but had done gymnastics. She blew us all away from the moment she started practicing. She picked up so fast, and has become a major asset to our team," Saiz said. "She brings so much energy, laughter to our squad, and we can't forget the flips. I hope and pray she continues to stick with cheer for next year as she is just a freshman and has lots of potential to make All-KCAC First Team."
Delany Woodworth was named the Lady Warrior's Champion of Character.
"Delany is a genuine leader on our team. She leads by example, and is respectful to her teammates. She wants to do her best and helps her teammates to be their best even outside of practice. They all look up to her," Saiz said. "She is a senior next year, and this one is going to be a hard season for me. I am not ready to let her go and I hope to find more Delany's to add to the team."
The Lady Warriors were also named the 2025 KCAC Team of Character.
Committed to advancing character-driven athletics, the NAIA Champions of Character program aims to inspire student-athletes, coaches, officials, and fans to hold high standards and embody what character truly means in a competitive arena. By keeping the five core values of integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship, and servant leadership at the heart of the athletics experience, the Champions of Character program empowers participants to change the culture of sport.
To top the day off, four Lady Warriors were named 2024-25 Competitive Cheer All-KCAC Scholar Athletes. The All-KCAC Scholar Athlete Academic Award recognizes excellenice in the classroom by KCAC member student athletes who are sophomores or above in academic standing at the beggining of the semester in which they compete, carry a minimum 3.25 cumulative GPA at the beginning of the semester in which they compete and have attended one full year at the KCAC institution. The four included Kayleann Harrington, Abigail Sawin, Morgan Urwiller and Woodworth.
Complete results of the KCAC Cheer Championships along with All-KCAC selections are listed below.
Be sure to check for news and updates on Sterling Warrior Athletics on Facebook (/SCWarriors), Twitter (@SterlingCSports), and Instagram (sterlingcsports), as well as the hashtag #SwordsUp. Watch the Warriors' live home events on the Sterling College Sports Network.
2025 KCAC Cheer Championships Results
1. University of Saint Mary – 86.70
2. Friends University – 80.73
3. Avila University – 72.26
4. Ottawa University – 68.37
5. Sterling College – 60.13
6. Bethel College – 57.98
7. Kansas Wesleyan University – 55.98
8. York University – 50.92
