Glenn Caston, head coach of Xavier University of Louisiana’s Competitive Cheer Team (XULA Cheer), was named the 2021-2022 Coach of the Year by the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). Caston led the XULA Cheer Team to victory, cementing into history Xavier University’s first national championship title in any sport and as the first historically Black college or university (HBCU) to receive this title in NAIA history.

“While winning Coach of the Year is certainly an honor, the real honor is working with a committed group of athletes and staff that represent our university well,” said Caston.

Starting as a part-time Xavier employee in 2016, Caston has undoubtedly left his mark on the university. During his tenure, Caston soon became Xavier’s head cheer coach, implementing the university’s competitive cheer program, which continues to grow its presence at Xavier. The Xavier competitive cheer program offers more athletic scholarships than any other cheer program in the country.

“During our first practice, I asked the team what their accomplishments for the year would be. They responded, ‘We will be National Champions,’ and that is when I knew they were ready to do work,” shared Caston.

The XULA Cheer team accomplished their goal and demonstrated their hard work by receiving a score of 93.70 out of 100 points, setting a meet record for the highest winning average at an NAIA competition. The NAIA is the only athletic conference in the nation to award a national title in competitive cheerleading.

“This year, we took an in-depth look at our program model. We knew that we had the skills to be a champion team but really needed a microscopic look at the inner workings of our program,” said Caston. “This in-depth look and critiquing of our program allowed us to fill in those small cracks that were stopping us from achieving the goal of securing a national title.”

As Caston and the XULA Cheer team bask in their well-deserved national recognition, the team has never forgotten the importance of maintaining their bond, dedication, and commitment to Xavier’s mission to promote a more just and humane society through their example of resilience and perseverance.

“So many look at the win, but very few acknowledge the sacrifice. Our athletes and staff commit their own resources, holidays, and certainly their passion for the sport to ensure that our program is represented on the national scale,” said Caston.

To learn more about XULA Cheer’s NAIA win, follow this link. Find out more information about XULA Cheer here.