After years of working hard, the Union High School cheerleading team took their shot at competing on the national stage this year. Although the experience of watching from afar was exciting, nothing could prepare them for the intensity and thrill of actually stepping onto the national mat.
The journey to this moment began months before the competition in Orlando, Florida, starting with choreography rehearsals during the summer. The team spent weeks refining their routine, incorporating feedback from regional and state competitions to polish areas of weakness. Twice a week, the girls met for early morning practices at 6:30 AM before school, and as the competition drew closer, they added additional Saturday practices. They not only worked on their own routine but also studied films of past national champions, analyzing what made them stand out and how to elevate their own performance.
The coaching staff and faculty at Union High School played a crucial role in supporting the team throughout this grueling process. Coaches from various sports programs helped ensure the cheerleaders received the practice time needed while balancing other commitments. Multiple staff members extended their support by sending letters of support to the girls. The support went beyond school walls—local businesses and individual sponsors provided funding for the girls’ trips to Orlando, as well as meals for the team during their stay. The parents' unwavering "support and dedication to make sure the team had an experience of a lifetime made my job so much easier," said Coach Baylee Casey.
One of the most touching moments came after the teams’ final performance. As the girls completed their routine on the final day of competition, many of them struggled to hold back tears. Their faces reflected the realization that they had just given their best performance of the season, having worked for two years to reach this peak. As the team walked off the mat, tears flowed freely, not out of sadness but out of overwhelming pride and joy. They embraced each other, expressing their pride in their shared achievement. Coach Casey reveals, “I knew at that moment we had accomplished everything we had set out to do. It didn’t matter what the final scores were. The girls were proud of the work they put in, and I couldn’t have asked for more.”
Looking ahead, Coach Casey is filled with excitement for the future. “Next season, we have a strong group of seniors who have the potential to lead us to a third state title, and who knows—maybe even a national medal,” she said. The Union High School cheerleading team’s story is one of hard work, perseverance, and community support. As they look to the future, their success on the national stage has proven that they can accomplish anything they set their minds to. The Union cheerleaders are certainly a team to watch in the seasons to come. The Union High School cheerleaders’ performance was nothing short of remarkable. They finished the season as back-to-back state champions and placed 7th in the nation—a significant achievement for a group of dedicated athletes. A big congratulations goes out to Union High School Cheer!
