After months of intense training and dedication, the cheer team recently competed in the highly anticipated UCA National High School Cheerleading Championships, and they did not disappoint. Facing off against some of the best teams in the country, the cheerleaders displayed unparalleled athleticism, determination, and spirit, earning themselves a spot amongst the top competitors and ultimately placed eighth in the nation.

The team’s journey to nationals was no easy feat though.

 “We had a few injuries and we had to move people around,” JV cheer coach Sarah Tielke said, “and we had to move people around.”

One of the most significant takeaways from the cheer team’s national experience is the opportunity to debunk the common stereotypes surrounding the sport. Despite the athleticism, discipline and commitment it takes to compete at such a level, sometimes cheerleading is still viewed as just merely sideline entertainment. 

“The routine is basically three minutes of non-stop stunting, tumbling, moving around, yelling, and all that,” Tielke said.

Though competing can be extremely hard on the mind, the squad makes sure to support each other and help their friends out. Their sense of unity was seen throughout their routine.

“I am very confident in our routine,” junior captain Lwege Pereira said. “Our team has grown a lot throughout this competition season and I see everyday how hard people are working to implement corrections given.”

The cheerleaders left it all on the mat, executing flawless stunts and tumbling. Their routine, which had been months in the making, was a true testament of their hard work, and it paid off – this was the first time in school history that the cheer team had made finals at this competition.

“I was super proud of them,” Tielke said, “We were pretty overwhelmed, but super excited.”

For the team, going to nationals was not just about competing, but it was about showing what can be accomplished with teamwork, perseverance, and school spirit.

“One strength that I see in our routine is being able to show through our routine, our Ranger spirit, and really representing Clements as a whole,” Pereira said.