MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The Southern States Athletic Conference announced the 2026 SSAC Competitive Cheer Scholar-Athlete Team, with UT Southern's Madison Busey earning recognition among the league's top academic performers.

Busey, who was also named the 2026 SSAC Athlete of the Year, continues to stand out as one of the conference's premier student-athletes both on the mat and in the classroom. Her Scholar-Athlete Team selection caps a stellar season in which she played a key role in UT Southern's success while excelling academically.

Brewton-Parker Christian's Harley Slade was named the 2026 SSAC Competitive Cheer Scholar-Athlete of the Year after posting a perfect 4.0 GPA as a nursing major. Slade also earned All-Conference honors and helped lead the Barons to a program-record score of 86.42 at the SSAC Championship.

The SSAC Scholar-Athlete Team honors student-athletes who have excelled academically while maintaining a significant role in competition throughout the season. To qualify, nominees must be at least a sophomore in both academic and athletic standing, maintain a minimum 3.3 cumulative GPA, and compete in at least 50 percent of their team's events.

Busey's recognition places her among the conference's elite, further highlighting her impact during a standout 2026 campaign for the Firehawks.

The full 2026 SSAC Competitive Cheer Scholar-Athlete Team is listed below:

Harley Slade, Brewton-Parker Christian (Scholar-Athlete of the Year)
Hollie Mitchell, William Carey
Alex Balinbin, Loyola
Annsley Myers, Mobile
Victoria Crouchet, Life
Madison Busey, UT Southern
Kerri Rhodes, Xavier

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