Four New Queens Crowned at the 2026 Miss Collegiate USA National Pageant

A Historic Celebration of Leadership, Scholarship, Confidence, Sisterhood, and Legacy

July 12, 2026 | College Park, Maryland

The Miss Collegiate USA Organization proudly celebrated an unforgettable conclusion to Emerald Week 2026 as four extraordinary women were crowned during the 2026 Miss Collegiate USA National Pageant Finals, held on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center on the campus of the University of Maryland.

2026 National Queens

Each national titleholder will receive an award package valued at more than $40,000*, including:

• Educational scholarships

• A Caribbean Sisterhood Cruise

• Professional Photography by Rodgers Polk Photography

• National Media & Marketing Opportunities

• Sponsor Gifts & Partnerships

• Travel & Appearances

• Leadership Development Opportunities

• Professional Branding Experiences

• National Ambassador Opportunities

*Prizes awarded by sponsors and partners of the Miss Collegiate USA Organization.

Together, these opportunities support the organization's mission of helping women achieve success both personally and professionally while advocating for its national platform:

Making College Affordable.

This year's national pageant marked one of the most significant milestones in the organization's history, celebrating the official launch of its More Than a Crown campaign, a renewed commitment to developing confident leaders, empowering women through higher education, and creating meaningful impact in communities across the nation.

Highlights of the 2026 National Pageant

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SWR0Ht2KUHg

2026 Crowning Moment

After a week filled with leadership development, philanthropy, sisterhood, wellness initiatives, interviews, rehearsals, and competition, four remarkable women earned the opportunity to wear the national crown and serve as ambassadors for the Miss Collegiate USA Organization during the 2026–2027 year.

Each national winner distinguished herself through excellence in Personal Interview, Scholarship Résumé, Lifestyle & Wellness, and Evening Gown Competition, demonstrating not only poise and confidence, but also a genuine commitment to leadership, service, and academic achievement.

Meet Your 2026 National Queens & Court

2026 National Queens w/Distinguished Panel of Judges

MISS COLLEGIATE USA 2026

Kimora Branch (Alabama) - Miss Collegiate USA 2026

1st Runner-Up: Kyla Ghirardello (Maryland)

2nd Runner-Up: Jacqueline Hill (Pennsylvania)

3rd Runner-Up: Treesta James (East Coast)

4th Runner-Up: Rebecca Beavers (District of Columbia)

MS COLLEGIATE USA 2026

Danielle Stephenson (West Virginia) - Ms Collegiate USA 2026

1st Runner-Up: Dr. Taylor Weisz (Illinois)

MRS COLLEGIATE USA 2026

Dr. Allie Borges (Massachusetts) - Mrs Collegiate USA 2026 

1st Runner-Up: Gabrielle Brady (Maryland)

2nd Runner-Up: Dr. Kelsey Kirrene (California)

MISS HIGH SCHOOL USA 2026

Briella Cenci (New York) - Miss High School USA 2026

Optional Award Winners

Throughout the week, delegates also had the opportunity to compete in optional competitions, attend leadership workshops, and bond with fellow titleholders from across the country. From denim fashion showcases to service projects, the 2026 class left a lasting legacy. These winners are:

Top Model

Allie Borges (Massachusetts)

National Spokesmodel

Rebecca Beavers (District of Columbia)

National Influencer

Taylor Weisz (Illinois)

Media Correspondent

Taylor Weisz (Illinois)

Photogenic

Allie Borges (Massachusetts)

Cover Model

Kimora Branch (Alabama)

Fashion Show

Kimora Branch (Alabama)

Denim Style

Allie Borges (Massachusetts)

Miss Congeniality

Gabrielle Brady (Maryland)

We’re beyond proud of all our delegates. These young women represent the very best of scholarship, style, and service. We can’t wait to see how they use their titles to inspire and empower others throughout their reigns.

2026 Philanthropy Day - Period Party

More Than a Crown

The 2026 national pageant represented more than the selection of four titleholders, it marked the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the organization.

Throughout Emerald Week, delegates participated in transformational experiences centered around the organization's five leadership pillars:

• Scholarship

• Leadership

• Confidence

• Sisterhood

• Legacy

Contestants also took part in the organization's expanding EMPowered Mental Health & Wellness Initiative, philanthropy projects benefiting local communities, leadership forums with national partners, professional development sessions, and meaningful sisterhood experiences designed to cultivate lifelong friendships and personal growth.

The launch of the More Than a Crown campaign reflects the organization's vision of preparing women to become influential leaders who create positive change far beyond the pageant stage.

A Historic First

This year's competition also celebrated the official introduction of the Mrs Collegiate USA division, welcoming married women into the Miss Collegiate USA family for the very first time.

Dr. Allie Borges, Mrs Collegiate USA 2026

History was made as Allie Borges of Massachusetts became the inaugural Mrs Collegiate USA 2026, joining an inspiring class of national queens who represent women at every stage of their educational and professional journeys.

Looking Ahead

As the newly crowned queens begin their year of service, they will travel across the country representing the Miss Collegiate USA Organization, promoting higher education, financial literacy, mental health awareness, leadership, and community engagement.

Applications for the 2027 Miss Collegiate USA National Pageant are now officially open.

The next chapter begins in New York, where another class of inspiring young women will continue building a legacy that is truly... More Than a Crown.

We invite aspiring leaders from across the nation to begin their own journey and discover what it truly means to be More Than a Crown.

Visit www.misscollegiateusa.org to learn more and apply today.

Miss Collegiate USA Announces Maryland Mindfulness & Mental Performance Counseling as Official Mental Wellness Partner

Sarah Spund, LCPC

Miss Collegiate USA is proud to announce Maryland Mindfulness & Mental Performance Counseling (MMAMPC) as its Official Mental Wellness Partner beginning in 2026 and continuing in the years ahead. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to supporting the mental well-being, resilience, and performance of young women as they navigate both personal and professional growth.

MMAMPC is a woman-owned, virtual private practice founded by Sarah Spund, LCPC in February 2025. The practice is dedicated to helping individuals manage both everyday challenges and high-pressure moments with clarity, confidence, and resilience.

Based in Baltimore, Maryland, Sarah Spund is a licensed clinical professional counselor and RYT-200 yoga instructor. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Alabama and a Master of Science in Clinical Counseling from Johns Hopkins University.

As a former pageant competitor—holding titles including Miss Maryland Teen America (2005), Top 10 at Miss Teen America (2005), and Miss Maryland Teen United States (2007)—Sarah brings a unique blend of lived experience and clinical expertise to her work. As a former professional athlete, she specializes in supporting high-achieving individuals, student-athletes, and collegiate competitors navigating performance anxiety, confidence, and burnout.

Her approach integrates mental performance strategies, mindfulness practices, and evidence-based therapy to help clients stay grounded while performing at a high level.

https://mmampc.com/

Through this partnership, Miss Collegiate USA contestants will gain access to wellness-centered resources, strategies, and support designed to strengthen their mental resilience and overall well-being throughout their journey.

To learn more about Maryland Mindfulness & Mental Performance Counseling, visit: https://mmampc.com/

As Miss Collegiate USA prepares for the 2026 season, additional national partners and sponsors will be announced, each playing a vital role in advancing the organization’s mission of scholarship, leadership, and sisterhood nationwide.

Miss Collegiate USA Announces College Auntie as a New National Partner Beginning in 2026

Michelle Udeli, Founder & CEO of College Auntie

Miss Collegiate USA is proud to announce College Auntie as a new National Partner beginning in 2026 and continuing in the years ahead. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to empowering students and young professionals with the tools, resources, and confidence needed to thrive beyond the classroom.

College Auntie, founded by Michelle Udeli, is dedicated to equipping emerging leaders with practical life skills, strategic guidance, and a supportive community that fosters both personal and professional growth. Their mission aligns seamlessly with Miss Collegiate USA’s focus on developing confident, purpose-driven women who lead with intention in their communities, campuses, and careers.

Through this partnership, Miss Collegiate USA contestants will gain access to meaningful resources and insights designed to support their transition from college to career, while strengthening their leadership development throughout their journey.

“This partnership represents more than collaboration—it reflects a shared vision for empowering women to step into their next chapter with clarity and confidence,” said Miss Collegiate USA leadership.

https://www.collegeauntie.com/

To learn more about College Auntie and Ms. Udeli's work, visit: https://www.collegeauntie.com/

As Miss Collegiate USA prepares for the 2026 season, additional national partners and sponsors will be announced—each playing a vital role in advancing the organization’s mission of scholarship, leadership, and sisterhood nationwide.

Stay connected for more exciting announcements as we continue building an impactful and empowering experience.