Lindenwood Lion Line captured the national title in the Open Division Hip Hop Category at the 2012 UCA/UDA College Cheerleading and Dance Team Championships in Orlando, Florida January 13-15.  It was the fourth national championship in the last five years for the Lady Lions at the event which was held at the ESPN Wide World of Sports in Walt Disney World.

Lindenwood was in first place after the semifinal round of competition and remained on top in the finals with an average score of 94.6 out of 100 to finish ahead of the University of St. Thomas (St. Paul, Minn.) in second and the University of Puerto Rico Bayamon in third. 

Lion Line also earned a runner-up finish in the Open Division Jazz Category with an average score of 92.633 in the finals to finish behind the University of Saint Thomas and ahead of Orange Coast (Costa Mesa, Calif.).  It was the highest finish ever for the Lady Lions in the category after Lindenwood had finished third the previous three years. 

With the two events combined, the overall performance was the most successful showing at the Cheerleading and Dance Team Championships in program history, dating back to the first appearance for Lion Line in 2000. 

Head Coach Colleen Carriker reflected on what it took to win the championship, “This group of girls is incredibly hard working and determined.  It took every single one of them to accomplish their goals,” she said.  “Not only are they talented, but they have heart which is something you don't always find.  They are the most successful Lion Line Dance Team in the history of the program and I couldn't be more proud.”

The Lady Lions were led by seniors Amanda Willard, Ashley Wahl, Courtney Kassabaum, Jocelyn Stange and Maggie Heinemann.  Additional team members included Stephanie Hale, Erica Lathangue, Joanna Shelton, Sam Knight, Lindsey McCulley, Whitney Sterns, Lindsey Schweigert, Emily Biscan, Taylor Bollinger, Krysta Mayer, Danielle Buttram, Chasity Tyus and Natalie Lane.

Earlier in the month, Lion Line traveled to St. Paul, Minnesota to compete at the UDA Spirit of America competition at the Mall of America January 7.  The Lady Lions finished in second place in both the Hip Hop and Jazz categories at the event.  Coach Carriker indicated that the additional experience definitely prepared them better and helped them win the national championship a week later.