KANSAS CITY, Mo. - In just the program's second season, William Woods University already has four NAIA All-Americans, with Amira Dobbins, Dawson Evert and Raniya Hurtault receiving the honor this year, announced the association Thursday.

"I'm extremely proud of these three athletes for their representation of our program!" Director of Owl Spirit Toni Snyder said. "They are all very successful in both the classroom and on the mat, and they truly represent what an NAIA All-American should be!"

The national championship judges determine competitive cheer All-Americans, and each team – first, second and third – is made up, by score, of 18 student-athletes, unless multiple athletes are tied for the 18th spot on a team. Student-athletes are recorded doing four elements: toe tuck, triple jump combination, jump combination, round off back handspring full twisting layout and stunts. They are graded on a scale of 1-5, ranging from poor form and technique to superior form and technique.

Dobbins, from Alton, Illinois, received the greatest honor of the Owls' three All-Americans as she was named to the second team. She transferred to WWU after halting her cheerleading career a few years ago but recently came out of retirement to cheer for the Owls. Despite her break in training, Dobbins immediately stepped onto campus this semester and made a huge impact in The Woods' program.

"Amira's the best tumbler in our program, in terms of technique, which sets her apart and led her to earn second team honors," Snyder said.

Also a transfer, Evert, who joined Woods from Pratt Community College in his hometown of Pratt, Kansas, was named a third-team All-American. He was an active member of every single section in the Owls' competition routine. As one of the few people with no "breaks" in the routine, Evert pushed through a lot to ensure William Woods' success.

"Dawson's contributions to our program are obvious if you have watched any of our routines throughout the season," Snyder said.

Last but not least, Hurtault, a freshman out of Jefferson City, known for being an all-around athlete, made third-team All-American. She is also a dual athlete, competing on both WWU's cheer and dance teams and being an extremely important member of both teams.

"Raniya has acted as our primary tumbler for the entire season and is known for her ability to effortlessly complete any skills asked of her," Snyder said.  

In the Owls' first and final American Midwest Conference Championship - WWU will join the Heart of America Athletic Conference next school year - they took home third place out of five teams with a total score of 77.82 points. This point total put them ahead of host Columbia College by 33 points and the University of Health Sciences & Pharmacy in St. Louis by 29.

Read the NAIA's release here to see who else was included in the All-American teams.