By Florida Memorial University Alumni
The Florida Memorial University competitive cheer team made history on Saturday as they were named 2025 Southern States Athletic Conference Competitive Cheer Champions.
The Lions edged out UT Southern in dramatic fashion 93.91 – 93.36 for their first conference championship in program history.
As a result, FMU head cheer coach Ayana Harris was named 2025 SSAC Competitive Cheer Coach of the Year!
In addition, the SSAC announced the 2025 competitive cheer award winners Friday evening at the awards banquet.
“It is very difficult to put into words,” said Harris. “This journey started four years ago with nothing more than a hope that we could field a competitive cheer team at Florida Memorial University. I can remember being at the 2022 conference championship with only six athletes, which is two less than the required minimum of eight. We took a penalty before we even hit the mat for not meeting the required minimum, and it was very difficult to compete against so many experienced programs. We finished fifth overall out of 10 teams, and I told my athletes that their courage and perseverance would pave the way for future FMU cheerleaders to have a chance to compete and win,” Harris explained.
The league recognized All-Conference, Champions of Character and Barnes & Noble College All-Academic Team honorees. Individual award winners were voted on during the 2025 SSAC Competitive Cheer Championship Saturday as FMU junior back spot / base Jayada Rouse led a program-best five All-Conference selections for Florida Memorial University and was named 2025 SSAC Competitive Cheer Tumbler of the Year.
“Even when some major injuries threatened our season, our student-athletes refused to give up,” stated Harris. “To bring it all full circle, I still have one senior this year who was on the inaugural 2022 team. So to win the conference championship, have the maximum of five all-conference athletes, and one athlete named Tumbler of the Year, and to be awarded SSAC Coach of the Year, its a very surreal moment for our little HBCU in South Florida, and it proves what can be achieved through commitment and hard work.”
2025 All-Conference
Charles Henkel Brewton-Parker JR
Emma Banks Breton-Parker SR
Harley Slade Breton-Parker FR
Charlie Kendrick
Florida Memorial SR
Ja’Cobe Hearren
Florida Memorial FR
Jamiyah West
Florida Memorial SO
Jayada Rouse
Florida Memorial JR
Ramiya Hawthorne
Florida Memorial FR
Savana Palos Life SO
Sydney Lagg Life SR
Victoria Crouchet Life JR
Alex Balinbin Loyola JR
Alyvia Pierson Loyola FR
Gabrielle Kliebert Loyola SR
Sydney Brasseux Loyola FR
Alex Godwin Mobile JR
Madison Cooley Mobile SR
Meredith Cole Mobile FR
Alison Baker Point SR
Crystal Ingram Point SR
Jada Culler Point SR
Khaci Spence Point JR
Aspen Grubbs UT Southern SO
Chloe LeClair UT Southern SR
Colt Roberts UT Southern JR
Karley Harvey UT Southern SO
Nakiya Mostella UT Southern SR
Hollie Mitchell William Carey JR
