They hadn’t competed in more than 20 years. Then they walked into nationals—and left as champions. When Miles College returned to the national stage this March, the Golden Bears didn’t just show up. They changed what’s possible for HBCU cheerleading programs.
In their first appearance in decades, Miles captured both the College Coed Game Time title and the Overall Grand Championship at the CCA Christian Cheer Nationals & Collegiate Championship—becoming the first HBCU team ever to win both.
They Weren’t Supposed to Be There
The trip to nationals wasn’t guaranteed. It wasn’t even in the budget.
Head coach Le’Andrea Anderson-Tolbert made sure it happened anyway—personally covering registration costs just to get the team in the door. From there, the program raised more than $10,000 through community support, relying on donors, family, and belief to make the trip a reality…