Dance | 4/15/2025 2:43:00 PM

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (April 15, 2025) – The Texas Woman's Pioneer Pride Dance Team are your 2025 NDA National Champions in Spirit Rally.

The announcement was made on the NDA Stage, and the tears began to flow – all the work, countless days and hours, the enjoyable moments and the preserving moments – everything flitted through the Pioneers eyes, now all bathed in gold with the announcement of the National Championship moment.

"The journey to get here has been so challenging but beyond special," TWU Head Coach Marisa Martin said. "Being the head coach for three years now, this has always been the goal. I came in with high expectations, a lot of new ideas and change, but it all was worth it! It wouldn't be possible without family, friends, assistant coach, athletic department, alumni and the commitment and passion from our student athletes. This team worked tirelessly from beginning to end. I couldn't be prouder of our performances and ending the season with the GOLD! 🏆"

PPDT was named the National Champions for the first time in program history. It capped off a historical season for the Pioneers, which began with earning a Gold Paid Bid to Nationals at NDA Summer Camp – also a first in program history.

During the course of the 2025 season, TWU earned a second place honor in Pom at the USA Collegiate Championship – their highest placement in program history, a first place overall finish in Division II at ADTS and first place in Pom at ADTS – both first's in program history.

Then, at NDA Nationals, the Pioneers also added third place in Pom – their highest placement in program history. Additionally, TWU earned the Innovative Choreography Award in the Spirit Rally category.

"Words simply fall short in describing how we feel as a program, TWU Assistant Coach Emily Jensen said. "Pioneer Pride has worked for this moment for eight seasons, and every second has been worth it. This team is marked by its ability to make history year after year, and it is an honor for us coaches to see such dedication be rewarded. We are so thankful for the Pioneer Pride legacy that has led us here, and just as excited for the legacy these athletes have set for the future."