Alex Balinbin named SSAC Scholar-Athlete for second time

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The Southern States Athletic Conference announced the 2026 Competitive Cheer Scholar-Athlete Team on Wednesday, and Loyola Wolf Pack senior Alex Balinbin was selected to the team of seven student-athletes honored for their performance on the mat and in the classroom. 

This is the second consecutive season in which Balinbin earned a spot on the SSAC Scholar-Athlete Team. 

Head coach Courtney Cadore said, "Alex consistently adds value by leading as one of the team captains, supporting teammates, and proactively finding solutions to challenges. As the first male coed cheerleader under my leadership, Alex sets a standard of dedication and inclusivity that inspires the entire team."

After three competition wins throughout the season, Loyola was one of seven teams to score above 80 points in a stacked field in the final of last month's SSAC Competitive Cheer Championship. The SSAC also handed out its 2026 awards at the championship, and Balinbin earned All-Conference honors for the second year in a row. The senior, who is majoring in Management with a minor in Criminology, also has a GPA of 3.629. 

To be eligible for an SSAC Scholar-Athlete Team, student-athletes must be a sophomore or above in both academic and athletic standing, must be starters or important reserves, have at least a 3.3 cumulative GPA and have competed in 50% of competitions. Graduate students and transfers must have completed at least one semester at the school.

2026 SSAC Competitive Cheer Scholar-Athlete Team 

Harley Slade, Brewton-Parker Christian
Hollie Mitchell, William Carey
Alex Balinbin, Loyola
Annsley Myers, Mobile
Victoria Crouchet, Life
Madison Busey, UT Southern
Kerri Rhodes, Xavier

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