Daytona Beach, Fla. – The Mt. SAC Dance Team showed off their moves on the national stage last week, delivering standout performances in two divisions and earning two third-place finishes at the NCA/NDA Collegiate Cheer and Dance Nationals in Daytona.

Competing in both Junior College Hip Hop and Spirit Rally Open, the Mounties showed versatility, resilience, and heart while going up against some of the strongest programs in the country.

In Hip Hop, Mt. SAC brought a high-energy routine choreographed by Florrie Ku and performed to a custom mix by @supmartin. The Mounties delivered a sharp, dynamic performance that earned them third place overall in a competitive field. Odessa College took first, followed by Utah State University Eastern in second.

The team continued its momentum in Spirit Rally Open, a brand-new division for Mt. SAC this season. With choreography led by Head Coach Austin Hernandez and timeout elements created by Sara Llanos, the Mounties performed to a mix of school fight songs and custom Power Music Cheer tracks.

Despite entering uncharted territory, Mt. SAC rose to the challenge and once again earned a third-place finish—this time behind Iowa Central Community College and Blinn College.

What makes the accomplishment even more impressive is how the Mounties achieved it. The team competed with just seven dancers in each routine, the smallest group on the floor, yet still advanced to finals and secured a spot in the national winner's circle in their very first year in the division.

This marks Mt. SAC's 13th year competing in Daytona since 2013, and this season stood out as a defining moment for the program.

"This year was different from any before," Hernandez said. "While we definitely felt the nerves going in, we also knew our school carries a strong tradition that would help us rise to the challenge. In our very first year competing in this category, we pushed through and made it all the way to finals… proving that heart, dedication, and teamwork truly make all the difference."

Looking ahead, the program is already focused on building for the future. Tryouts for the 2026–2027 season are set for May 2, as the Mounties prepare to welcome new talent and continue growing their legacy.

"I am incredibly honored to serve as the head dance team coach; and having once been a dancer on this very team makes this journey even more meaningful and memorable, Hernandez said. "My seven dancers truly left their mark all season and on the nationals stage, proving their strength, determination, and passion every time they performed. Competing against teams with up to 16 members, they still stood out and made an unforgettable impact. This team is a true testament to the idea that it's not about how many you have, but the quality, heart, and dedication each dancer brings."

The message from Daytona was clear: no matter the size of the team, Mt. SAC shows up big when it matters most.