Thirty athletes, three coaches, three minutes and one big goal. The cheer team makes school history with the highest scores at Texas State UIL competition. 

For the past eight months the cheerleaders have prepared for this one day. By working on jumps, tumbling, stunts, motions, and vocal projection, they have achieved their main goal for the season, making it to finals. 

“We had so many 7:15 practices,” senior Kaitlyn Feece said, “and had a mock competition to see our possible rivals and how we might place at state.”

After competing, the team had many mixed emotions. As a whole they were nervous to find out their scores.

“Personally I felt confident in how we performed. But after we competed at prelims and went to our sports complex I started to feel the nerves,” Feece said.

Many hours went by as the girls waited to find out if they made finals. At 3:48 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 14, 2021 the finals list was released. They. Made. It. But there was no time for rest.

“Once we found out we made finals we went straight to practicing so we could hopefully win,” Feece said.

When leaving the Fort Worth Convention Center, the team was ready for awards.

“Competing at finals felt amazing. It felt good to finally show off our completed routine and to relieve all the stress and tension we built up while performing.” freshman Maddie Ward said.

While waiting for awards to start, the cheer team participated in some comp day rituals, like dancing, singing to Taylor Swift songs and having a flashlight party with the other teams.”

“During awards we had so much fun, but once they started listing off the names of top five I was pretty upset because I knew we were so close but were progressing as the years went on,” sophomore JV captain Mia Fletes said.

Even though the cheerleaders did not place in the top 10 like they expected, the team is still very proud they made it to finals, out of 50+ teams, they made finals.

“Even though we made 12th place, I think we still did really good compared to the other 58 teams,” Ward said.

Very hopeful for next year the team plans to continue progressing each year. 

“We could definitely have more people watch us next year and give feedback,” Feece said. “I feel like I could’ve been sharper and try harder for a top 10 spot instead of assuming we would place top 10.” captain Mia said.

After coming to an agreement on how to fix their routine and how to prepare better, the team is in off season and is getting ready for try-outs for next year.

“I know for a fact that next year we will rock the judges socks off at UIL,” freshman Ray Lopez said.