Fans are accustomed to seeing Stetson University cheerleaders performing on the sidelines at Hatters football and basketball games. They are also a familiar site out in the community, performing in parades and getting involved with community service projects.
 
On Friday, the Stetson Cheer squad will embark on a different journey. For the first time in several years, the Hatters will compete in the Universal Cheerleaders Association's college cheerleading championship.
 
The event is being held at Disney's ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando. The Hatters will be competing in the small college co-ed division in the Game Day competition against 18 other cheer squads from around the country.
 
"We will have a total of 20 athletes competing, including John B.," first year Stetson cheer coach Melissa Knepshield said. "For the Game Day competition, each team will perform a maximum three-minute routine focused on the fight song, a situational sideline and with a band chant as you would see in a timeout at a game."
 
The Hatters will give their first performance on Friday afternoon. The performance is scheduled for 1:58 p.m. The entire competition will be broadcast on the tv.varsity.com web site. Tickets to see the competition live are also available.
 
"Being a three-year veteran of this program, especially during these unexpected times, I'm proud to say this has been the most hard-working and goal driven season so far for our squad," junior Isabella Leal, a native of Miami Lakes, Fla., said. "I am excited to finally get back on the mat with my teammates this weekend and showcase all of our hard work."
 
Senior Emma Graybeal, a native of Merritt Island, is excited to finally get a chance to compete with her squad mates.
 
"After not being able to compete at NCA for a while, I am very grateful that we get one last chance to compete together," Graybeal said. "This will be a great way to end four years of dedication to this program and I am excited to take the mat with my team."
 
The excitement over having an opportunity to compete together is shared by senior team captain Kirby Hall.
 
"I am so excited to have this opportunity to show off our skills on the national stage," the St. Petersburg native said. "We have been working hard all year for this performance, and I couldn't be prouder of my teammates for working through all the roadblocks thrown at us. I can't believe it's already been four years, but it's an honor to end my time at Stetson taking the floor with this team. Go Hats!"
 
Having the opportunity to represent Stetson in a national competition is something the veteran members of the squad have been looking forward to for a long time.
 
"I am so excited to compete with my team this weekend," junior Lilly Parker of Umatilla said. "We have worked so hard and I feel so blessed to be representing Stetson University."
 
Other schools scheduled to compete in the same category as Stetson includes: University of Delaware, Northern Arizona University, Davidson College, Monrovian University, Colorado School of Mines, Concordia University, Linfield University, Hofstra University, University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV), Hinds (MS) Community College, Monmouth University, Northern Kentucky University, Kutztown University, Coastal Alabama Community College, Tusculum University, Lee University, Drury University and Southern Union State College.
 
About Stetson University Athletics: Stetson University's Athletics Program is driven by a shared purpose. It is what inspires, motivates and binds us together. More than a task, a reason for being. THE HATTER PURPOSE is to create and provide an experience of a lifetime through teamwork and relationships to achieve excellence. This purpose is achieved through five Core Values: Communication, Integrity, Excellence, Value People and Commitment. To learn more about the HATS program and our Core Values, visit GoHatters.com/HATS (PDF). Get in on the conversation on social media by following Stetson Athletics on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. For video content, visit our YouTube channels: Stetson Hatters, Stetson Athletics and, for live events, Hatter Vision.