The Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College Spirit Program returned from the 2026 UCA and UDA College Spirit Camps with an impressive collection of awards, highlighting the talent, leadership and dedication of the Cheer Team, Dance Team, and Mac the Bulldog mascot.

Hosted by Varsity Spirit at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa July 16–19, the annual collegiate camps bring together spirit programs from across the nation for advanced skill development, leadership training, team building, and competition. The camps also provide one of the premier training experiences for collegiate spirit programs as participants refine technical skills, strengthen leadership abilities, and prepare for the upcoming athletic season and the UCA/UDA College National Championships.

The MGCCC Dance Team earned multiple honors throughout the four-day camp, earning second place in Home Routine, second place in Fight Song, the prestigious Superior Trophy Award, Game Day Superior recognition, the Program Improvement Award and 25 Blue Ribbons for superior daily evaluations.

“The awards are exciting, but they only tell part of the story,” said Britney Patten, MGCCC dance team head coach and spirit coordinator. “What makes me most proud is the way this team chose to lead, encourage one another, and embrace every opportunity to grow. They represented MGCCC with class, humility, and heart. Watching this group come together has been incredibly rewarding, and I truly believe we’re just getting started.”

The MGCCC Cheer Team also earned multiple honors, receiving the Leadership Award, first place in Fight Song, second place in Timeout Routine and fourth place overall. In addition, the team earned Blue Ribbon evaluations in Timeout, Sideline and Performance, recognizing consistent excellence throughout the week.

Mac the Bulldog mascot earned top recognition, receiving the Spirit Program Award, Gold Ribbon Field Walk Evaluations (Second Round) and Blue-Ribbon Field Walk Evaluations (First Round) for outstanding enthusiasm, crowd engagement, and school spirit.

Talking about the Leadership Award, Cheer Team Head Coach Brittney Holley said, “At the beginning of Training Week, I shared a goal I had for myself, our coaching staff, and this team. It wasn’t a goal centered around skills or routines; it was about our character, humility, encouragement, and leadership. We wanted to be the kind of team that others want to be a part of, and the kind of team others look up to.”

She added, “This award is voted on by every team in our division, which makes it incredibly meaningful. I am beyond proud to say we achieved that goal and were honored with the Leadership Award for our division this year!  It reflects who these athletes are when no one is watching, and I couldn’t be prouder to be their coach.”

In addition to competition, MGCCC student-athletes participated in leadership development, technical training, game day instruction, and team-building activities alongside collegiate programs from across the Southeast.

“The success of both our Cheer and Dance teams is a reflection of a culture built on hard work, accountability, and genuine care for one another,” Patten said. “We continue to raise the bar every year because our student-athletes believe in something bigger than themselves. As coaches, there is nothing more rewarding than watching them grow into confident leaders and ambassadors for MGCCC. We are incredibly proud of where our programs are today and even more excited about where they’re headed.”

The MGCCC Spirit Program is led by Patten, Holley, and Assistant Cheer Coaches Brennan Hull and Ashlyn McDaniel. Their continued commitment to excellence has helped establish MGCCC as one of the region’s premier collegiate spirit programs.