After months of daily practices, the varsity competition cheer team won the Jamz School Championship in the Gameday Fight Song category and became level champions in the School Non-tumbling category. This competition took place in Bakersfield, California and because they met the score requirements, the team is qualified to compete in nationals.
Their teamwork came from many hours of practice and a shared determination to get better, with the athletes working through hard jumps and stunts, and practicing again until the team did everything cleanly and in sync. Making it to nationals has not only increased the team’s exposure in the competition world, but has also strengthened their confidence and unity.
“I’m very proud of my team. We all put in so much work, and I’m so happy to see it be worth it,” varsity cheerleader junior Tiffany Huang said. “[Our team’s motivation] is seeing all of our work come together in the end and giving our all on the mat when we perform.”
The cheerleaders also hired a choreographer to choreograph the show cheer routine. They understand that staying consistent and disciplined in practice is key to maintaining their success.
“I feel really excited, because we really made Walnut history by being two-time state champions and then also qualifying for nationals,” varsity cheerleader senior Scarlett Montoya said. “My motivation was my team and my OGS Haley, Akemi and Ivana. [We were] pushing each other to be the best that we can.”
Through long practices and challenging moments, the athletes focused on improving their skills and supporting one another. The cheerleaders faced challenges such as having to rework their routines multiple times due to injuries and also chose to increase the difficulty of their performance just weeks before the competition.
“We worked really hard to make it to Nationals and we placed first, which was really cool,” varsity cheerleader sophomore Sasha Kelso said. “I really wanted to go to nationals, and this competition was the one thing that could get us there.”
Their victory showed how their dedication and focus paid off on a big stage and helped fuel their enthusiasm for future goals.
“I’m very excited to see new faces come on the team,” Huang said, “I’m also very excited to improve my bond with the team I currently have and make new memories.”
