Miles College Makes History: Golden Bears Capture Double National Championships After 20-Year Absence

After more than two decades away from competition, Miles College's cheerleading program didn't just return to the national stage this March—they rewrote the history books. The Golden Bears 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 honors.

Against All Odds

The journey to nationals was far from certain. The trip wasn't in the budget, and for a moment, it seemed the Golden Bears might not make it at all. That's when Head Coach Le'Andrea Anderson-Tolbert stepped in, personally covering registration costs just to get her team through the door.

From there, the program rallied community support, raising more than $10,000 through donors and family members who believed in the mission. Even preparation looked nothing like a typical championship program—limited facility access meant running routines without stunts and finding practice space wherever possible, both on and off campus.

"This whole competition season... was about what we're doing for our community and showcasing what smaller HBCUs can bring."
— Head Coach Le'Andrea Anderson-Tolbert

Championship Performance

When the music started, none of the obstacles mattered. Miles College blended clean execution with the high-energy performance style that defines HBCU cheer culture, immediately standing out on the competition floor.

The victory was even sweeter thanks to freshman Kyshawn Grant, who received just one week's notice that he'd be competing individually. Days later, he claimed both the Collegiate Tumble and Collegiate Jump national championships.

"You don't have to do the craziest thing to win... it's about how clean you execute."
— Kyshawn Grant, Freshman

Creating Space and Inspiring Change

Coach Anderson-Tolbert's message to her team resonated beyond the competition floor: "Just take up space even if you don't think the space is for you." By the time Miles finished their routines, the crowd wasn't just watching—they were reacting, cheering, and taking notice of what HBCU programs can achieve.

For Grant, the emotional weight of the moment represented validation for countless hours of hard work. For Anderson-Tolbert, it meant something deeper—visibility for HBCUs, smaller programs, and every athlete who's been told certain stages aren't meant for them.

"Y'all made an impact... on a bunch of kids who cheered."
— Head Coach Le'Andrea Anderson-Tolbert

What began as an out-of-budget trip transformed into a national breakthrough. Miles College didn't just win championships—they opened doors and proved exactly what HBCU cheer programs can accomplish when given the opportunity to compete. The Golden Bears have set a new standard, and the entire country is now watching.

Originally reported by HBCU Gameday.