Spartans of UD - Jayden Pierce

Spartans of UD highlights what makes the University of Dubuque special â€" the people.

Jayden Pierce is a senior human health science major from Freeport, Illinois, who is on the competitive cheer team at the University of Dubuque. In April, he will represent the United States for the 10th time in an international cheer competition. Jayden is a veteran with ParaCheer Spirit, a team of athletes with and without disabilities that was selected by USA Cheer as the 2026 US National Adaptive Abilities Team. They will compete at the International Cheer Union World Cheerleading Championships. Over 80 countries are anticipated to attend the championships Wednesday-Friday, April 22-24, 2026, at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Florida. Tune into the Olympic Channel to watch!

How did you get involved with ParaCheer Spirit?

"I was first introduced to ParaCheer Spirit near the end of 2018. The head coach at the time, who is a good friend of my mom, was missing an athlete for a competition and called to see if we had someone willing to step in. I volunteered, learning their routine in 30 minutes before taking the mat with them. I've been with the program ever since. I wanted to remain a part of Paracheer Spirit's mission and help spread awareness for all disabled sports. This team is very unique because we have athletes from all over the country. At least 25% have a disability, physical and/or mental, while the other 75% consists of able-bodied athletes. We all cheer equally, competing upper-level routines."

You have been on the team since its second season filling roles such as base, backspot, flyer, tumbler, and even a seated athlete. What is your favorite part of cheerleading with ParaCheer Spirit?

"My favorite part about cheering with ParaCheer Spirit is the relationships I've built throughout the years. I've made countless lifelong friends who I keep in touch with regularly, even if they are no longer associated with the program. We attend community events as often as we can, and these events allow me to connect with some amazing individuals who I never would have likely met otherwise. It's powerful to see kids and adults supported in ways that let them grow, adapt, and experience so much joy. In addition, through competing at the International Cheer Union World Cheerleading Championships, I have met athletes from all around the world too. I also enjoy the creativity of adapting skills that I am familiar with to meet certain needs and circumstances of others."

How does ParaCheer Spirit prepare to compete as the 2026 US National Adaptive Abilities Team in the weeks leading up to the International Cheer Union World Cheerleading Championships in April at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Florida?

"Over the next few weeks, to prepare for the ICU World Cheerleading Championships, we plan on putting in lots of reps to ensure we feel as confident as possible. We have only two practice weekends left, one at the end of March and another toward the beginning of April. Due to the nature of our team not having all athletes from one area, we practice only once a month to accommodate for everyone's travels."

What does it mean to you to be able to represent the US in international competition for the 10th time?

"To me, having the opportunity to represent my country for the 10th time is such an honor. I have been blessed with many unique opportunities thanks to this team, and to think that I've been on a US National Team for even just one year is mind-blowing to say the very least. Cheerleading has had a special place in my heart for pretty much my whole life, and to showcase my love for the sport while advocating for inclusivity is amazing, let alone on the world stage."

What are some of your favorite memories so far with ParaCheer Spirit?

"One of my all-time favorite memories with ParaCheer Spirit is when we won our two gold medals in 2023. That year, we participated in our traditional adaptive abilities division as well as the adaptive hip-hop division. I couldn't have felt prouder and more relieved when we came away with gold for both. Afterwards, we went to Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World and celebrated with rides and fireworks. Another one of my favorite memories is when we traveled to Costa Rica for the Pan American Championships in 2019. That was my first time out of the country, and it was such a unique experience. We attended the Pan American Championships in 2024 as well, but this time in Canada. There have been many other incredible memories made with this program - too many to count."

In your opinion, what makes the University of Dubuque unique?

"In my opinion, one thing that makes the University of Dubuque unique is its tightly knit community. I love the welcoming feel this campus gives me, everyone you meet is so nice. Professors genuinely care about their students' success, making an effort to know more than the bare minimum about their character. Another aspect I love about UD is the support we show all our athletic teams. It strengthens the feeling of community on campus."