The Redlands Academic Team continued its tradition of excellence by sending two squads to the National Academic Quiz Tournaments (NAQT) 2025 Community College Championship Tournament in Chicago. The A team secured 6th place finish among the nation's top 24 community college teams in this prestigious two-day competition.
Two team members from Redlands' A squad earned All-Star honors for their exceptional individual performances. Keira Flenniken ranked 8th overall, while Brody Sadler placed 11th in the preliminary rounds. This marks the second consecutive year that both Flenniken and Sadler have received individual recognition at the national level.
"I couldn't be prouder of how our students performed against the best academic competitors in the country," said Coach Cherry Rain. "Having both our A and B teams qualify for nationals speaks volumes about the dedication and intellectual curiosity of our students. Keira and Brody's repeat All-Star performances demonstrate their commitment to academic excellence and their growth as competitors."
The tournament represents the 13th time Redlands has qualified for the NAQT Championship Tournament, further cementing the institution's reputation for academic skill on the national stage.
The NAQT Community College Championship Tournament features a challenging format where teams answer questions spanning literature, history, science, fine arts, current events, sports, and popular culture in a buzzer-based competition that rewards both depth of knowledge and quick recall.
Team members include Kylie Bailey, Okarche; Gabby Cervantes, Dover; James Daughety, Calumet; Keira Flenniken, Yukon; Derrick Krantzman, Calumet; Daley Rain, Oklahoma City; Brody Sadler, Okarche; Kanna Scott, Norman; C.J. Sershon, Mustang; Alvaro Valles, Hennessey; and Alexis Vanwinkle; Glenpool. The team is led by Rain and Assistant Coach Melissa Hilliard.