A new legacy was made for the Kingwood UIL cheerleaders after they achieved 7th place in the nation in Orlando, Florida. For the first time in history, the program advanced past the prelims, competing in all three rounds straight to the finals against the top teams from each state and the returning national champions. Competing in the nation’s toughest division, large 6A D1, the team stepped up and proved themselves. The experience was not only remarkable but also bittersweet, as it was the last competition for some seniors and the final time this routine would be performed together. Here is what some of the seniors and coaches had to say about this sensational experience.

“I felt like this year we were much more determined, ready to work, and really motivated to reach another goal. It was so exciting to compete three times at my last competition ever (Prelims, Semi-Finals, and Finals) and waiting for our name to be called at the awards. When we placed so high, it felt surreal. I definitely feel like I’ve left my mark on UIL; it has been so special to help lead this team, as this season’s team achieved things that have never been done in KHS history before,” said Jadyn Young, Senior Captain, and Sydney Dress, Senior.

As one of the three varsity captains, Jadyn felt this year was more special than the rest. Sydney explains that the team’s increased determination and motivation pushed them further than in previous years. Hearing their school’s name placed so high was an extremely rewarding feeling. Jadyn and Sydney have left their mark on Kingwood Cheer by making history.

“I definitely think that the difference between this year and previous years for UIL was the amount of practice time we had. Not only that, but the drive that the people on this team had to not only make it to the next round but to win. Being named 7th in the nation was refreshing because we finally got recognized for all the hard work we have put in this year. Being able to lead this team was a gift because I got to build so many relationships with the girls, and we all led each other to success,” said Savannah Byers, Senior Captain.

As one of the three varsity captains, Savannah explains that this year was different from the rest due to the immense time and hard work put in through countless practices. Being named 7th in the nation made Savannah feel like it was all worth it in the end, as they were finally recognized for their hard work. She shares that being a captain on this team really helped her build many relationships that led everyone to success.

“This year, UIL felt like a whole new ballgame, not just because the competition was more intense, but because our coaches pushed us harder than ever before. Every day, they motivated and challenged us, providing constant encouragement. The relentless support from our coaches, combined with our hard work, truly set this year’s UIL experience apart. Being named 7th in the nation was an incredible moment. It was a mix of excitement, joy, and relief after all the hard work we put in. We didn’t expect to advance to the semifinals, let alone the finals, making this achievement even more remarkable. This marks the first time in our program’s history that we’ve reached such a significant accomplishment, and it feels amazing to be recognized on a national level,” said Abbey Herron, Senior.

Abbey Herron, an upcoming collegiate cheerleader at Iowa Central, has been on the UIL team since she was a freshman. She states that this year, the coaches’ motivation and encouragement for the team, and the team’s relentless hard work set them apart from any other team and any other year on UIL. Abbey explains that as the competition was more intense than in the past, the coaches pushed them harder than before. She describes that they were not expecting to even advance to the semifinals, let alone the final, and when they did, it was all worth it. She exclaims that when they kept advancing and finally made it to the finals where they received 7th, it was remarkable. Being recognized at a national level led them with feelings of excitement and relief that the hard work truly paid off.

“This year, we focused on core values that instilled an uplifting environment, determinate spirit, and strong work ethic. Overall, it brought our team closer together and ready to work. Being 7th in the nation is something I will always cherish in my heart. The feeling of being on stage as national finalists was surreal. I could not have asked for a better senior year. The memories and friendships from this team are something I will remember and carry with me forever. I am proud to have been a part of such an amazing team, and I cannot wait to see what they will accomplish in the upcoming years!” said Joanna Ochoa, and Clara Evans, Seniors.

Joanna and Clara have been on the mat since their sophomore year. They illustrate that with an uplifting environment, a determined spirit, and strong work ethic, helped bring the team closer together, and ready. Being rewarded 7th in the nation was surreal to the two girls, a feeling they will cherish forever. Clara and Joanna are extremely proud to be on such a successful team and cannot wait to cheer them on in the future.

“This year was not so much different but, all the competition cheerleaders bought in and pushed themselves to be the best they could be. It felt Vantastic, all of my girls’ hard work paid off. Finally, they were recognized for how amazing and talented I know they are. The amount of  time, energy and effort each cheerleader puts into not just the competitions team, their own high school cheer team and school is enormous. They do all that and do it at a high level. Again so proud.” – Coach, Van Christman

Coach Van expresses his pride in the cheerleaders’ dedication and growth, highlighting how their hard work and commitment to both their competition team and high school team paid off. He emphasizes the immense effort the cheerleaders put in, and the recognition they finally received for their talent and achievement.

“The 24′-25′ UIL team has made an incredible difference from last year. We have gained so much confidence being on the mat, our faces and excitement truly show that during our performances. The drive and determination for wanting to prove ourselves from last year has really given us the heart to do more this year than we did last year / any year. The feeling of being named 7th in the nation for the 6A division is a feeling you can’t even begin to describe knowing you’ve reached a goal higher than the one you were already trying to achieve. The 6A division is so hard and knowing we did our absolute best for three days in a row and made it to the finals really shows how much we have improved and accomplished. I would like to think I’ve made my mark on varsity. Helping the incoming girls and giving them all the confidence to continue our legacy here at Kingwood High School,” said Jaci Mormon, Senior.

As an incoming collegiate cheerleader at DBU, Jaci describes her experience on UIL as rewarding. She feels that the team had much more confidence this year than any other year. With drive and determination, the national title felt indescribable. Jaci describes that being in the hardest division, 6A, and doing so well really proved that the team has improved immensely and accomplished so much. She feels that she has left her mark on Kingwood Varsity Cheer by helping the incoming girls gain confidence to continue the legacy and history that was made this year.

“I think that we started the year knowing or expressing a deep desire to improve our standings at State and Nationals. Of course, there were bumps along the road, but in the end, we definitely left our mark on Nationals. I have said that getting to be a part of that moment was my all-time career high. Watching the most amazing team take the mat with enthusiasm and hit each routine, and walk away 7th in the nation is a moment I will never forget. I am beyond proud!!! They exceeded anything I could have ever imagined! I am forever grateful and will remember the moments for a lifetime!! Cheer is so often about lifting up other sports teams and focusing on them. What I love about this moment is that this is what they get to do for THEMSELVES and my favorite part of being one of their coaches is getting to be their cheerleader.!! I am their super fan!!!” said Coach Stephanie Pelfrey.

Coach Stephanie Pelfrey expresses how the team had a goal to be better than before and improve, with bumps along the way, the team left their mark. She states that watching the squad hit the mat and come home with 7th in the nation is a feeling she will never forget. Incredibly proud, Coach Pelfrey explains that she is forever grateful for these cherishable moments, and she enjoys being “Their super fan!!!”.

“This year our team was more motivated, especially since the seniors experienced such a loss last year. We knew we had to step up and make our mark by working harder with extra practices and pushing ourselves to our highest potential which is more than any varsity team has done in the past. Being named 7th in the nation for the first time ever was such a surreal feeling and being a part of a team that made history for my school was such an honor and it made me feel amazing that all our hard work and countless hours meant something and it really does prove that practice makes perfect and dreams can come true with dedication. I definitely feel like we set a higher standard for the incoming grades for UIL and we made history so for the UIL team 24-25’ made our mark in Kingwood history and it’s all to the hardworking girls, coaches, and drive to become better and let everyone know who Kingwood is!!” said Norah Martin, Senior.

Norah states, “that practice makes perfect and dreams can come true with dedication”. With higher standards for the team, and hardworking girls, Norah feels that is why the team was so successful this year. She states that the feeling of making history was a feeling and memory that was unforgettable and such an honor.

The Kingwood UIL cheerleaders’ remarkable journey to a 7th place finish at the national competition in Orlando is a testament to their dedication, teamwork, and spirit. This historic achievement not only showcases their talents but also sets a new standard of excellence for the program.