After months of preparation and a season filled with long practices, the dance and cheer teams capped off their year by winning top awards against almost 1,000 other teams at the 2026 National Dance Team Championship and the UCA National High School Cheerleading Championship in Orlando Jan. 27 to Feb. 2. The dance team placed third in Jazz, second in Pom, and first in Game Day. The cheer team placed sixth in Game Day and third in NonBuilding.
“Our team really showed up and showed out for their performances,” cheer coach Alyson Jones said. “Both our routines at semi-finals were the best the routines have been performed all season. They were loud, energetic, spiritful and entertaining. Our parents were so engaged and loud while cheering with us, which made everything better.”
The dance team entered nationals knowing small improvements could make the difference against some of the most established programs in the country.
“I was so excited and proud of us for doing exactly what we wanted to do,” dance captain, senior Carly Drake said. “We moved up a place in both jazz and gameday and we held on to our second-place spot in pom. We fought for all of our placements and it was seriously the best day ever.”
Reaching finals carried added significance for the cheer team, which had fallen short of advancing the previous year. In a competition where a limited number of teams move on, earning a finals spot showed progress and validation.
“My reaction to making it to finals was pure excitement,” cheer captain, senior Addison Shannon said. “Last year, we did not make it to finals, so when we got the announcement, my jaw dropped, and all my teammates and I hugged each other while jumping up and down.”
The Game Day division is designed to simulate the energy and leadership teams bring to school sporting events. Competing requires the full team to cohesively perform, making success depend on timing and chemistry.
“We knew it was going to be a dog fight, but we wanted first so bad that we really just locked in as a team and left our hearts on the floor,” dancer, senior Sloane Bailey said. “We ended up winning and getting that white jacket, and it felt even more special because our whole team was on the floor. Whereas in other dances it’s not everyone, and we have alternates, winning with all 25 girls was something so special and unique.”
Being the performances were months of preparation that intensified as nationals approached. Practices became longer and more detail-oriented.
“The preparation all season is intense, and the last few weeks are filled with constant focused practices,” cheerleader, junior Layton McLaughlin said. “We clean and perfect all the things we can to get the dances in the best shape for nationals. Our coaches push and prepare us for the reality of how difficult the competition is.”
While preparation played a major role, athletes said the emotional build-up added another layer to the experience. Performing in front of national judges, surrounded by top programs from across the country, added pressure that tests athletes’ mental readiness.
“The most nerve-wracking part for me doesn’t really come until we are in Florida; it’s more just excitement before we leave,” dancer, senior Melrose Mixan said. “The real nerves come when you’re on the practice floor and about to go on stage. I’ll never feel nerves and adrenaline like that again.”
The culmination of the season brought emotions that went beyond the final rankings. The awards reflected months of dedication and trust-building between the teams and coaches.
“The awards ceremony is something that I will truly never forget,” Jones said. “Truthfully, I cried happy, proud tears because all the hard work, the tough practices, and the moments of trust were worth it.”
As the season came to a close, seniors reflected on the competitions as the final chapter of their high school careers.
“In my eyes, nothing could’ve gone better, and it was the perfect ending to my dance team story,” Drake said.
