The Missouri Baptist University cheer team made history after placing second in the Spirit Rally NAIA Division at NCA Nationals. Despite program cuts, leadership changes and injuries, the team persevered in unity and faith.
On Tuesday, April 8, the Missouri Baptist all-girl cheer team traveled to Daytona Beach, Florida, to compete in the 2026 NCA College Nationals.
For the first time in program history, the Spartans entered the Spirit Rally NAIA Division, a format designed to showcase authentic game-day material, including crowd engagement, band music and mascots.
In the preliminary round, MBU earned an 82.65 with a .25 deduction, putting them in second place behind Midland University.
After a few minor adjustments, the team competed for one last time on Saturday, April 11, at the legendary Oceanfront Bandshell.
MBU improved their score by 2.44 points, delivering a zero-deduction routine to secure second place with an 85.09.
“Whenever we heard second, it was pretty bittersweet because we definitely were in the running for first place,” said Jenna Plymale, a junior business management major, basketball player and mascot for MBU.
“I will always remember that feeling because we walked off the floor, and we left it all out there. So whatever happened, it’s okay,” said Vashti Altheide, a broadcast media major and senior captain.
This season, Altheide competed on the bandshell for the eighth and final time. As a member of both the cheer and stunt squads, she witnessed immense growth within the program.
“When I started as a freshman, I think we had about eight people competing on the bandshell,” Altheide said. “This year, we had between 19 and 21.”
However, the season was not without its challenges.
In December, the stunt program was cancelled due to limited eligibility, and cheer was equally at risk.
“We had to go sit in the athletic director’s office and plead our case as to why we should get it back,” Altheide said. “And thankfully, we did.”
At the same time, the program underwent a leadership transition under head coach Emilee Mitchell, director of spirit at MBU.
In addition to her experience as an MBU cheer and stunt alumna and graduate assistant coach at Dallas Baptist University, Mitchell offered unique value to the program.
“From December until now, there has been a huge spiritual shift, and it has bonded us a lot more together,” Altheide said. “We know that no matter what happens, we’re still winners in Christ, and that’s all that really matters at the end of the day.”
By the end of the season, this spiritual shift was reflected in the baptisms of two athletes, including Altheide and Katie Harper, a sophomore on the team.
“Baptism after finals day was our greatest victory of the week,” Mitchell said. “Hearts fully surrendered to the Savior remind us why we are called to do the sport we love—for His glory.”
For Altheide, this moment signified a full-circle ending.
“When I decided to get baptized, I thought the best place to do it would be Daytona Beach,” Altheide said. “I was born in California, so my first Bible study was on a beach. That’s where my love for the Lord started.”
Mitchell looks forward to the continued development of the cheer and stunt programs as they pursue excellence both on and off the mat.
“I am beyond proud of this team,” Mitchell said. “They have done all that their coaches have asked of them, demonstrating perseverance, adaptability and heart.”
* All photos by Logan Bruce Photography
