TAMPA, Fla. - Practice makes perfect. 

And even national champions have to practice. Because the littlest details can lead to big things.

Jovon Penny knows this from experience. The former Bartow High cheerleader saw how hours perfecting a routine resulted in a state championship. And he’s reinforced that work ethic at USF with countless hours of training resulting in national championships.

“We’re always working out during the week or we’re here at practice,” Penny said. “It’s a lot of work.”

That hard work paid off. USF became only the second university, since 2000, to win back-to-back national championships. 

The University of Kentucky, the other program, has won 25 overall co-ed titles since the Universal Cheerleading Association competition began in 1978. But the 2020’s belong to the Bulls. They have dominated the competition the past two seasons. 

And they’re not showing any signs of relinquishing their grip on this sport.

“Moment for life,” Penny said. “That’s what we love to call it. Everybody wants to feel that just blissful moment.”

But you don’t get to the top without working your way from the bottom. Head coach Gillian Guadagnino stresses the basics. It’s part of the progression to becoming the best.

“It’s the little details,” she said. “It’s what we focus on all year round, not just here but in our routine. The little bits and pieces, that’s what we call them. That’s what makes up the big picture.”

And that’s why these cheerleaders put in the hours. Why they sacrifice their time. Why they fight for recognition for a sport that doesn’t always get its due respect.

“It gives us more credibility,” Penny said. “We’re always are fighting for like just that stamp that we’re a real sport, real competitive and we can compete against the best.”

These Bulls felt the love at a recent men’s basketball game. They got to show off their skills. They got to show their hardware. They got shoutouts from prominent USF coaches and even WWE superstar Titus O’Neal.

On that night, cheerleading had arrived. And for once, the tables were turned. The crowd was cheering these Bulls on.

“It felt really good,” Penny said. “We’re just proud to be recognized by our school and everybody in the community.”