2025 GPAC Championships Results (PDF)
SEWARD, Neb. – For the first time in program history, Concordia University, Nebraska Competitive Cheer played host to the conference championships. When all was settled on Saturday (March 8) inside Friedrich Arena, the Bulldogs placed fourth at the 2025 GPAC Cheer Championships. Concordia finished with a total score of 80.59, placing behind only Northwestern, Midland and Morningside.
Head Coach Emilie Ashenbach’s squad posted scores of 79.83 in the preliminary round and 80.83 in the finals. The finals are weighted as 75 percent of the total score.
“I’m incredibly proud of how today went,” Ashenbach said. “We hit two clean routines with zero deductions, which is a huge accomplishment. The team brought so much heart and energy to the mat, and it showed in every performance. Going into round two, we had our sights set on earning that 80 for the year. The girls took all feedback from me and the judges, implemented the changes and made it happen. Their dedication and determination were on full display, and I couldn’t be happier with the result.”
Compared to the 2024 conference competition, the Bulldogs moved up one spot. The competition roster on Saturday featured nine athletes, including five that also competed at the GPAC Championships last year: LaColle Anno, Bri Hoyle, Lexi Mack, Lauryn Stanley and Mya Stover.
Concordia was paced at the conference championships by All-GPAC performers in freshman Riley Bennett and sophomore Bri Hoyle. All-conference awards were based on individual performances that were judged separately from the team competitions that took place on Saturday.
The GPAC Cheer & Dance Championships were hosted by Doane in each of the previous four seasons. Friedrich Arena has been home to two of the most significant competitions in the entire NAIA this season – the Concordia Day of Duals and GPAC Championships.
GPAC Championships Competition Roster
· LaCole Anno (Lincoln, Neb.)
· Riley Bennett (Louisville
· Mikah Culler (Grand Island, Neb.)
· Avery Holmberg (Maize, Kan.)
· Bri Hoyle (Lincoln, Neb.)
· Lexi Mack (Wilber, Neb.)
· Lauryn Stanley (Big Springs, Neb.)
· Mya Stover (Lincoln, Neb.)
· Rhiannon Van Osdell (Fremont, Neb.)
· Alternates: Kalynn Jeardoe (Beatrice, Neb.) / Ara Maxwell (Lincoln, Neb.)
2025 Competitions
Jan. 25 – Placed 2nd at CIT
Feb. 7 – Placed 7th/16 (69.97) at York Crown Classic
Feb. 8 – Won vs. Waldorf (76.2); won vs. Mount Mercy (76.8) at Concordia Duals
Feb. 15 – Lost vs. MidAmerica Nazarene (75.47); won vs. Benedictine (77.15); placed 5th overall (152.62) at MNU Duals
Feb. 22 – Placed 8th/10 (63.43) at Dordt Invite
March 8 – Placed 4th/8 (80.59) at GPAC Championships
The ninth annual NAIA Competitive Cheer & Dance National Championship will be held in Ypsilanti, Mich., March 28-29. Official qualifiers for the national championships are scheduled to be announced on Monday, March 17. For additional information on NAIA competitive cheer, check out the sport’s homepage here: https://www.naia.org/sports/cheer/index.