Since May of 2025, the Eagle High cheer team has been putting their blood, sweat and tears into each of their practices, long choreography days and competitions. The team practices five to six days a week, with two to three basketball performances a week. So far into the season, the team has competed two times and won the title of Grand Champions at their first competition at Battle of the Bows, second all-round at TVCI, and at their most recent competition, the team took home the 6A DIII District Championship title for the second year in a row, which led them to be State bound.
Eagle Cheer has always been notorious for having great skill and team chemistry, and this season has been nothing but growth and success for the hard working team. This year, the team has been picked for the opportunity to be able to compete in Anaheim, California for their National Cheerleading Association (NCA) competition from Feb. 18 to Feb. 22. The team was selected out of the multiple high schools that were fighting for this prestigious opportunity.
Led by head coach Sarah Andrews, the team consists of 24 athletes and two alternate athletes, all of which have dedicated countless hours of hard work to perfecting their routines, especially their show routine, which will be the only routine performed and competed in California.
Junior Charlotte Reese on Eagle High Cheer’s varsity team shared her experiences with the team, the upcoming competition and what it’s truly like behind the scenes.
“Lots, and lots and lots of practices and long choreo days are put into these past couple of months leading up to competitions. Constantly going through routines and even practicing at home have really helped us improve a lot,” she said.
The NCA Nationals is one of the most praised competitions in the nation. Hundreds of athletes prepare each year for the one chance of getting to perform on the mat in California, which is one of the many reasons Eagle Cheer is grateful to be given this opportunity.
Since the 6A District Competition, the athletes have been in very good spirits, not just with their hard work being put into their routines, but with their faith in each other as well. Without every person supporting and rooting for each other, the team would not be where they are today. Especially with the stress of Nationals coming up, each athlete works hard to support one another to create unity and strength on the mat.
