Brother Martin High School, an acclaimed cheerleading program with an impressive five National Championships under its belt, is embarking on a significant new chapter. The team is set to transition from Division II to Division I for the upcoming 2026-2027 high school cheer season. This strategic move positions them to contend for another national title at the prestigious 2027 National High School Cheerleading Championship in Orlando, Florida.
Brother Martin Cheer Team's Bold Move to Division I
The Brother Martin High School cheerleading squad has consistently demonstrated its prowess on the national stage, securing championship victories in 2020, 2021, 2024, 2025, and 2026. Their impressive track record includes dominance in both Medium Varsity Coed (2020, 2021, 2024) and Large Varsity Coed (2025, 2026) divisions. The decision to step up to Division I, a category for larger schools, reflects the program's ambitious spirit and dedication to relentless competition.
This significant reclassification for Brother Martin stems from an updated ruling concerning single-gender educational institutions. Historically, Division II encompassed schools with 1 to 1,399 students, while Division I was reserved for those with 1,400 or more. The new regulation stipulates that single-gender schools may incorporate the enrollment figures of their cooperative partner schools when determining their division placement. As Brother Martin High School is an all-male institution, its cheer team benefits from this rule change by including female athletes from three nearby Catholic high schools, thereby qualifying them for the Division I category.
Head Coach Blake Mulligan articulated the team's perspective on this shift, stating, "A new division doesn't alter our essence; rather, it highlights it. Our unwavering dedication, self-assurance, and relentless pursuit of a fourth consecutive National Championship are constants. We have cultivated this program to effectively compete against any team, regardless of location." The team remains focused on its primary objective: to clinch yet another National Championship title. The 2027 National School Spirit Championships, encompassing cheer, dance, and band competitions, are scheduled to unfold from February 4th to 7th, 2027, at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex within The Walt Disney World Resort.
This transition underscores Brother Martin's commitment to growth and excellence. It serves as a compelling example of how evolving regulations can create new opportunities for athletic programs, challenging them to elevate their performance and adapt to higher levels of competition. The move also highlights the importance of strategic partnerships between educational institutions in fostering a broader talent pool. For fans and competitors alike, the 2027 National High School Cheerleading Championship promises an exhilarating display of athleticism and spirit, with Brother Martin poised to make a formidable debut in Division I.